Page 1 Agilent Technologies E5500A/B Phase Noise Measurement System User’s Guide Part number: E5500-90004 Printed in USA June 2000 Supersedes September 1999 Revision A.01.05...
Page 2 The information contained in this document is subject to change without notice. Agilent Technologies makes no warranty of any kind with regard to this material, including, but not limited to, the implied warranties of merchantability and fitness for a particular purpose. Agilent Technologies...
Page 3 Terms Technologies. License Grant Agilent Technologies grants you a license to Use one copy of the version of the Software identified in your documentation on any one product. "Use" means storing, loading, installing,executing or displaying the Software. You may not modify the Software or disable any licensing or control features of the Software.
Page 4 License Terms. Termination Agilent Technologies may terminate your license upon notice forfailure to comply with any of these License Terms. Upon termination, you must immediately destroy the Software, together with all copies, adaptations and merged portions in any form.
Page 5 What You’ll Find in This Manual… • Chapter 1, “Getting Started with the Agilent Technologies E5500 Phase Noise Measurement System” • Chapter 2, “Welcome to the HP E5500 Phase Noise Measurement System Series of Solutions” • Chapter 3, “Your First Measurement”...
Page 6: Limited Warranty
(1) year from the date of receipt. Agilent Technologies does not warrant that the operation of the software will be uninterrupted or error free. In the event that this software product fails to execute its programming instructions during the warranty period, the customer’s remedy shall be to return the media to Agilent Technologies for...
Page 7: Service And Support
Agilent Technologies Service Center. You can find a list of Agilent Technologies Service Centers on the web at http://www.agilent.com/find/tmdir If you do not have access to the Internet, one of these Agilent Technologies centers can direct you to your nearest Agilent Technologies representative: United States:...
Page 8: Table Of Contents
Service and Support ......... vii Getting Started with the Agilent Technologies E5500 Phase Noise Measurement System What You’ll Find in This Chapter…...
Page 9 Minimizing Injection Locking ....... . 6-16 -ii Agilent Technologies E5500 Phase Noise Measurement System...
Page 10 EFC Measurement ........7-77 Agilent Technologies E5500 Phase Noise Measurement System -iii...
Page 11 Basic Theory ......... . 10-2 The Discriminator Transfer Response ..... . 10-3 -iv Agilent Technologies E5500 Phase Noise Measurement System...
Page 12 Making the Measurement ....... . . 13-9 When the Measurement is Complete ......13-9 Agilent Technologies E5500 Phase Noise Measurement System -v...
Page 13 Security Level Procedure ....... 16-13 -vi Agilent Technologies E5500 Phase Noise Measurement System...
Page 14 E5502A Standard Connect Diagram ......19-6 Agilent Technologies E5500 Phase Noise Measurement System -vii...
Page 15 Bent Semirigid Cables ........A-9 -viii Agilent Technologies E5500 Phase Noise Measurement System...
Page 16 Touch-Up Paint ......... . . A-12 Agilent Technologies E5500 Phase Noise Measurement System -ix...
Page 17: Getting Started With The Agilent Technologies E5500 Phase Noise Measurement System
Getting Started with the Agilent Technologies E5500 Phase Noise Measurement System What You’ll Find in This Chapter… • Introduction, page 1-2 • Training Guidelines, page 1-3 Agilent Technologies E5500 Phase Noise Measurement System 1-1...
Page 18: Introduction
Getting Started with the Agilent Technologies E5500 Phase Noise Measurement System Introduction The table on the right-hand page (Training Guidelines, page 1-3) will help you first learn about, then use the E5500 phase noise measurement system. The following three areas are covered in this manual: •...
Page 19: Training Guidelines
Getting Started with the Agilent Technologies E5500 Phase Noise Measurement System Training Guidelines Table 1-1 Training Guidelines Learning about Phase Noise Learning about the E5500 Phase Using the E5500 to Make Specific Basics and Measurement Noise System Phase Noise Measurements Fundamentals Chapter 2, “Welcome to the...
Page 20: Welcome To The Agilent Technologies E5500 Phase Noise Measurement System Series Of Solutions
Welcome to the Agilent Technologies E5500 Phase Noise Measurement System Series of Solutions What You’ll Find in This Chapter… • Introducing the Graphical User Interface, page 2-2 • System Requirements, page 2-4 Agilent Technologies E5500 Phase Noise Measurement System 2-1...
Page 21: Introducing The Graphical User Interface
Welcome to the Agilent Technologies E5500 Phase Noise Measurement System Series of Solutions Introducing the Graphical User Interface The graphical user interface gives the user instant access to all measurement functions making it easy to configure a system and define or initiate measurements.
Page 22 Welcome to the Agilent Technologies E5500 Phase Noise Measurement System Series of Solutions Agilent Technologies E5500 Phase Noise Measurement System 2-3...
Page 23: System Requirements
Welcome to the Agilent Technologies E5500 Phase Noise Measurement System Series of Solutions System Requirements In case you want a quick review of the system requirements, we have listed them here. The minimum system requirements for the phase noise measurement software are: •...
Page 24 Your First Measurement What You’ll Find in This Chapter… • E5500 Operation; A Guided Tour, page 3-3 • Starting the Measurement Software, page 3-4 • Making a Measurement, page 3-5 Agilent Technologies E5500 Phase Noise Measurement System 3-1...
Page 25: Your First Measurement
Problem solving suggestions have been provided at the back of chapter 3 to help you deal with conditions that can prevent the system from completing its measurement. 3-2 Agilent Technologies E5500 Phase Noise Measurement System...
Page 26: E5500 Operation; A Guided Tour
Follow the set up procedures beginning on the next page. The phase noise measurement system will display a setup diagram that shows you the correct front panel cable connections to make for this measurement. Agilent Technologies E5500 Phase Noise Measurement System 3-3...
Page 27: Starting The Measurement Software
2. Click the Start button, point to Programs, point to Agilent Measurement Systems, point to E5500 Phase Noise, and then click Measurement Client. 3. The following phase noise measurement subsystem dialog box appears. Your dialog box may look slightly different. 3-4 Agilent Technologies E5500 Phase Noise Measurement System...
Page 28: Making A Measurement
1. From the File menu, choose Open. 2. If necessary, choose the drive or directory where the file you want is stored. 3. In the File Name box, choose Confidence.pnm. Agilent Technologies E5500 Phase Noise Measurement System 3-5...
Page 29 Sources tab from the Define Measurement window. The parameter data is entered using the tabbed windows. Select various tabs to see the type of information entered behind each tab. 6. Click the Close button. 3-6 Agilent Technologies E5500 Phase Noise Measurement System...
Page 30: Beginning The Measurement
“Connect Diagram Example” on for more information about the correct placement of the 50 Ω page 3-8 termination. 50 Ω termination goes here. Figure 3-1 Setup Diagram Displayed During the Confidence Test. Agilent Technologies E5500 Phase Noise Measurement System 3-7...
Page 31: Connect Diagram Example
Measurement required to calibrate the current measurement setup. Figure 3-2 shows a typical baseband phase noise plot for an Agilent/HP 70420A phase noise test set. 3-8 Agilent Technologies E5500 Phase Noise Measurement System...
Page 32: Sweep-Segments
3-2, you now have confidence that your system is operating normally. To Learn More Now continue with this demonstration by turning to Chapter 5, “Expanding Your Measurement Experience” to learn more about performing phase noise measurements. Agilent Technologies E5500 Phase Noise Measurement System 3-9...
Page 33 • 0 dB • Trace Smoothing Amount • 0 • Power present at input of DUT • 0 dB 1. The Stop Frequency depends on the analyzers configured in your phase noise system. 3-10 Agilent Technologies E5500 Phase Noise Measurement System...
Page 34: Phase Noise Basics
Phase Noise Basics What You’ll Find in This Chapter • What is Phase Noise?, page 4-2 Agilent Technologies E5500 Phase Noise Measurement System 4-1...
Page 35: What Is Phase Noise
= randomly fluctuating phase term or phase noise. This randomly fluctuating phase term could be observed on an ideal RF analyzer (one which has no sideband noise of its own) as in Figure 4-1. Figure 4-1 RF Sideband Spectrum 4-2 Agilent Technologies E5500 Phase Noise Measurement System...
Page 36 ∆φ less than 1 radian ( << radian). L f ( ) -- - S ∆φ f ( ) Figure 4-2 CW Signal Sidebands viewed in the frequency domain Agilent Technologies E5500 Phase Noise Measurement System 4-3...
Page 37 Hz (dBc/Hz) as shown in Figure 4-4. This chapter, L f ( ) except where noted otherwise, will use the logarithmic form of S ∆ f f ( ) 2f 2 L f ( ) follows: 4-4 Agilent Technologies E5500 Phase Noise Measurement System...
Page 38 L f ( ) remains valid. Above the line the plot of becomes increasingly S φ f ( ) invalid, and must be used to represent the phase noise of the signal. Agilent Technologies E5500 Phase Noise Measurement System 4-5...
Page 39 Phase Noise Basics What is Phase Noise? Figure 4-5 Region of Validity of L(f) 4-6 Agilent Technologies E5500 Phase Noise Measurement System...
Page 40: Expanding Your Measurement Experience
Table 5-3 on page 5-17. Apply the input signal when the connection diagram appears. Agilent Technologies E5500 Phase Noise Measurement System 5-1...
Page 41: Starting The Measurement Software
2. Place the Agilent E5500 phase noise measurement software disk in the disc holder and insert in the CD-ROM drive. 3. Click the Start button, point to Programs, point to Agilent Measurement Subsystems, point to E5500 Phase Noise, and then click Measurement Client. 5-2 Agilent Technologies E5500 Phase Noise Measurement System...
Page 42: Using The Asset Manager To Add A Source
Using the Asset Manager to Add a Source Using the Asset Manager to Add a Source The following procedure will configure both the Agilent/HP 70420A phase noise test set and PC-digitizer so they can be used with the E5500A phase noise measurement software to make measurements. NOTE...
Page 43 Asset Manager. This is the most common way to add assets. 5. Click Asset, and then click Add. 6. From the Asset Type pull-down list, select Source, then click the Next button. 5-4 Agilent Technologies E5500 Phase Noise Measurement System...
Page 44 Agilent/HP 8663A sources, including the Agilent/HP 8662A, 8663A, and 8644B. 10. In the Library pull-down list, select the Hewlett-Packard VISA. 11. Click the Next button. 12. In the Model Number box, Agilent/HP 8663A (Agilent/HP-8663 will appear as the default). Agilent Technologies E5500 Phase Noise Measurement System 5-5...
Page 45 13. In the Serial Number box, type the serial number for your source. Click the Next button. 14. You may type a comment in this dialog box. The comment will associate itself with the asset you have just configured. Click the Finish button. 5-6 Agilent Technologies E5500 Phase Noise Measurement System...
Page 46 16. click Server, and then click Exit to exit the Asset Manager. 17. Next proceed to “Using the Server Hardware Connections to Specify an Asset” on the next page. Agilent Technologies E5500 Phase Noise Measurement System 5-7...
Page 47: Using The Server Hardware Connections To Specify The Source
2. From the Test Set pull-down list, select Agilent/HP 8663. 3. A green check-mark will appear after the I/O check has been performed by the software. If a green check-mark does not appear, click the Check I/O button. 5-8 Agilent Technologies E5500 Phase Noise Measurement System...
Page 48 4. Next proceed to one of the following absolute measurements using either an Agilent/HP 8663A or an Agilent/HP 8644B source: Testing the Agilent/HP 8663A Internal/External 10 MHz, page 5-10 Testing the Agilent/HP 8644B Internal/External 10 MHz, page 5-33 Agilent Technologies E5500 Phase Noise Measurement System 5-9...
Page 49: Testing The Agilent/Hp 8663A Internal/External 10 Mhz
Refer to the “Selecting a Reference” section of this chapter for more information about reference source requirements Coax Cables And adequate adapters to connect the UUT and reference source to the test set. 5-10 Agilent Technologies E5500 Phase Noise Measurement System...
Page 50 To change these values, refer to Table 5-2 on page 5-12, then continue with step “a”. Otherwise, go “Beginning the Measurement” on page 5-16: Agilent Technologies E5500 Phase Noise Measurement System 5-11...
Page 51 Range ( Ω) Method Agilent/HP 8662/3A υ 5 E – 9 x υ 1E + 6 Measure DCFM FM Deviation 1 K (8662) Compute 600 (8663) Compute Agilent/HP 8642A/B FM Deviation Compute 5-12 Agilent Technologies E5500 Phase Noise Measurement System...
Page 52: Selecting A Reference Source
1. From the Define menu, choose Measurement; then choose the Block Diagram tab from the Define Measurement window. Source 2. From the Reference Source pull-down list, select HP-8663. 3. When you have completed these operations, click the Close button Agilent Technologies E5500 Phase Noise Measurement System 5-13...
Page 53 10 MHz Measurement level that is below the expected noise floor of your UUT. For more information about this graph, refer to Chapter 18, “Reference Graphs and Tables”. 5-14 Agilent Technologies E5500 Phase Noise Measurement System...
Page 54 Expanding Your Measurement Experience Testing the Agilent/HP 8663A Internal/External 10 MHz Figure 5-1 Noise Floor for the Agilent/HP 8663 10 MHz Measurement Figure 5-2 Noise Floor Example Agilent Technologies E5500 Phase Noise Measurement System 5-15...
Page 55: Beginning The Measurement
Confirm your connections as shown in the Connect Diagram. At this time connect your UUT and reference sources to the test set. The input attenuator (Option 001 only) has now been correctly configured based on your measurement definition. 5-16 Agilent Technologies E5500 Phase Noise Measurement System...
Page 56 (Option 001) has been set by the phase noise software, which will occur at the connection diagram. Characteristics: Input Impedance 50 ohm Nominal AM Noise dc coupled to 50 ohm load Agilent Technologies E5500 Phase Noise Measurement System 5-17...
Page 57 “E5503B Option 001 Connect Diagram Example” on page 5-24 “E5504A Option 201 Connect Diagram Example” on page 5-25 “E5504A Option 201 Connect Diagram Example” on page 5-25 NOTE For additional examples, refer to Chapter 19, “Connect Diagrams” 5-18 Agilent Technologies E5500 Phase Noise Measurement System...
Page 58 Expanding Your Measurement Experience Testing the Agilent/HP 8663A Internal/External 10 MHz E5501A Standard Connect Diagram Example Agilent Technologies E5500 Phase Noise Measurement System 5-19...
Page 59 Expanding Your Measurement Experience Testing the Agilent/HP 8663A Internal/External 10 MHz E5501B Standard Connect Diagram Example 5-20 Agilent Technologies E5500 Phase Noise Measurement System...
Page 60 Expanding Your Measurement Experience Testing the Agilent/HP 8663A Internal/External 10 MHz E5502A Opt. 001 Connect Diagram Example Agilent Technologies E5500 Phase Noise Measurement System 5-21...
Page 61 Expanding Your Measurement Experience Testing the Agilent/HP 8663A Internal/External 10 MHz E5502B Opt. 001 Connect Diagram Example 5-22 Agilent Technologies E5500 Phase Noise Measurement System...
Page 62 Expanding Your Measurement Experience Testing the Agilent/HP 8663A Internal/External 10 MHz E5503A Option 001 Connect Diagram Example Agilent Technologies E5500 Phase Noise Measurement System 5-23...
Page 63 Expanding Your Measurement Experience Testing the Agilent/HP 8663A Internal/External 10 MHz E5503B Option 001 Connect Diagram Example 5-24 Agilent Technologies E5500 Phase Noise Measurement System...
Page 64 Expanding Your Measurement Experience Testing the Agilent/HP 8663A Internal/External 10 MHz E5504A Option 201 Connect Diagram Example Agilent Technologies E5500 Phase Noise Measurement System 5-25...
Page 65 Expanding Your Measurement Experience Testing the Agilent/HP 8663A Internal/External 10 MHz E5504B Option 201 Connect Diagram Example 5-26 Agilent Technologies E5500 Phase Noise Measurement System...
Page 66 6. The computer displays the PLL suppression curve and associated measurement values. Press Continue using Adjusted Loop Agilent Technologies E5500 Phase Noise Measurement System 5-27...
Page 67: Sweep-Segments
If incrementing the frequency of one of the sources does not produce a beatnote, you will need to verify the presence of an output signal from each source before proceeding. 5-28 Agilent Technologies E5500 Phase Noise Measurement System...
Page 68: Making The Measurement
1. Click the Continue button when you have completed the beatnote check and are ready to make the measurement. Measurement 2. When the PLL Suppression Curve dialog box appears, select View Measured Loop Suppression, View Smoothed Loop Suppression, and View Adjusted Loop Suppression. Agilent Technologies E5500 Phase Noise Measurement System 5-29...
Page 69 Figure 5-5 on page 5-30 shows a typical phase noise curve for a RF Synthesizer. Figure 5-5 Typical Phase Noise Curve for an Agilent/HP 8663A 10 MHz Measurement. 5-30 Agilent Technologies E5500 Phase Noise Measurement System...
Page 70 • Reference Source • Agilent/HP 8663A • Timebase • None • Phase Detector • Automatic Detector Selection • Test Set Tune Voltage • Reference Source Destination • DCFM • VCO Tune Mode Agilent Technologies E5500 Phase Noise Measurement System 5-31...
Page 71 • Trace Smoothing Amount • 0 dB • Power present at input of DUT • 0 • 0 dB 1. The Stop Frequency depends on the analyzers configured in your phase noise system. 5-32 Agilent Technologies E5500 Phase Noise Measurement System...
Page 72: Testing The Agilent/Hp 8644B Internal/External 10 Mhz
Refer to the “Selecting a Reference” section of this chapter for more information about reference source requirements Coax Cables And adequate adapters to connect the UUT and reference source to the test set. Agilent Technologies E5500 Phase Noise Measurement System 5-33...
Page 73: Defining The Measurement
To change these values, refer to Table 5-8 on page 5-54, then continue with step “a”. Otherwise, go “Beginning the Measurement” on page 5-39: 5-34 Agilent Technologies E5500 Phase Noise Measurement System...
Page 74 Range ( Ω) Method Agilent/HP 8662/3A υ 5 E – 9 x υ 1E + 6 Measure DCFM FM Deviation 1 K (8662) Compute 600 (8663) Compute Agilent/HP 8642A/B FM Deviation Compute Agilent Technologies E5500 Phase Noise Measurement System 5-35...
Page 75: Selecting A Reference Source
1. From the Define menu, choose Measurement; then choose the Block Diagram tab from the Define Measurement window. Source 2. From the Reference Source pull-down list, select HP-8644. 3. When you have completed these operations, click the Close button 5-36 Agilent Technologies E5500 Phase Noise Measurement System...
Page 76: Selecting Loop Suppression Verification
10 MHz Measurement the expected noise floor of your UUT. For more information about this graph, refer to Chapter 18, “Reference Graphs and Tables”. Agilent Technologies E5500 Phase Noise Measurement System 5-37...
Page 77 If the output amplitude of your UUT is not sufficient to provide an adequate measurement noise floor, it will be necessary to insert a low-noise amplifier between the UUT and the test set. Refer to “Inserting an Device” in 5-38 Agilent Technologies E5500 Phase Noise Measurement System...
Page 78: Beginning The Measurement
Confirm your connections as shown in the Connect Diagram. At this time connect your UUT and reference sources to the test set. The input attenuator (Option 001 only) has now been correctly configured based on your measurement definition. Agilent Technologies E5500 Phase Noise Measurement System 5-39...
Page 79 (Option 001) has been set by the phase noise software, which will occur at the connection diagram. Characteristics: Input Impedance 50 ohm Nominal AM Noise dc coupled to 50 ohm load 5-40 Agilent Technologies E5500 Phase Noise Measurement System...
Page 80 “E5503B Option 001 Connect Diagram Example” on page 5-47 “E5504A Option 201 Connect Diagram Example” on page 5-48 “E5504B Option 201 Connect Diagram Example” on page 5-49 NOTE For additional examples, refer to Chapter 19, “Connect Diagrams” Agilent Technologies E5500 Phase Noise Measurement System 5-41...
Page 81 Expanding Your Measurement Experience Testing the Agilent/HP 8644B Internal/External 10 MHz E5501A Standard Connect Diagram Example 5-42 Agilent Technologies E5500 Phase Noise Measurement System...
Page 82 Expanding Your Measurement Experience Testing the Agilent/HP 8644B Internal/External 10 MHz E5501B Standard Connect Diagram Example Agilent Technologies E5500 Phase Noise Measurement System 5-43...
Page 83 Expanding Your Measurement Experience Testing the Agilent/HP 8644B Internal/External 10 MHz E5502A Option 001 Connect Diagram Example 5-44 Agilent Technologies E5500 Phase Noise Measurement System...
Page 84 Expanding Your Measurement Experience Testing the Agilent/HP 8644B Internal/External 10 MHz E5502B Option 001 Connect Diagram Example Agilent Technologies E5500 Phase Noise Measurement System 5-45...
Page 85 Expanding Your Measurement Experience Testing the Agilent/HP 8644B Internal/External 10 MHz E5503A Option 001 Connect Diagram Example 5-46 Agilent Technologies E5500 Phase Noise Measurement System...
Page 86 Expanding Your Measurement Experience Testing the Agilent/HP 8644B Internal/External 10 MHz E5503B Option 001 Connect Diagram Example Agilent Technologies E5500 Phase Noise Measurement System 5-47...
Page 87 Expanding Your Measurement Experience Testing the Agilent/HP 8644B Internal/External 10 MHz E5504A Option 201 Connect Diagram Example 5-48 Agilent Technologies E5500 Phase Noise Measurement System...
Page 88 Expanding Your Measurement Experience Testing the Agilent/HP 8644B Internal/External 10 MHz E5504B Option 201 Connect Diagram Example Agilent Technologies E5500 Phase Noise Measurement System 5-49...
Page 89 6. The computer displays the PLL suppression curve and associated measurement values. Press Continue using Adjusted Loop 5-50 Agilent Technologies E5500 Phase Noise Measurement System...
Page 90: Sweep-Segments
If incrementing the frequency of one of the sources does not produce a beatnote, you will need to verify the presence of an output signal from each source before proceeding. Agilent Technologies E5500 Phase Noise Measurement System 5-51...
Page 91: Making The Measurement
1. Click the Continue button when you have completed the beatnote check and are ready to make the measurement. Measurement 2. When the PLL Suppression Curve dialog box appears, select View Measured Loop Suppression, View Smoothed Loop Suppression, and View Adjusted Loop Suppression. 5-52 Agilent Technologies E5500 Phase Noise Measurement System...
Page 92 Figure 5-5 on page 5-30 shows a typical phase noise curve for a RF Synthesizer. Figure 5-10 Typical Phase Noise Curve for an Agilent/HP 8644B 10 MHz Measurement. Agilent Technologies E5500 Phase Noise Measurement System 5-53...
Page 93 • Reference Source • Agilent/HP 8644B • Timebase • None • Phase Detector • Automatic Detector Selection • Test Set Tune Voltage • Reference Source Destination • DCFM • VCO Tune Mode 5-54 Agilent Technologies E5500 Phase Noise Measurement System...
Page 94 • Trace Smoothing Amount • 0 dB • Power present at input of DUT • 0 • 0 dB 1. The Stop Frequency depends on the analyzers configured in your phase noise system. Agilent Technologies E5500 Phase Noise Measurement System 5-55...
Page 95: Viewing Markers
To access the marker function: On the View menu, click Markers. Up to nine markers may be added. To remove the highlighted marker, click the Delete button. 5-56 Agilent Technologies E5500 Phase Noise Measurement System...
Page 96: Omitting Spurs
The Omit Spurs function plots the currently loaded results without displaying any spurs that may be present. 1. On the View menu, click Display Preferences. 2. In the Display Preferences dialog box, uncheck Spurs. Click OK Agilent Technologies E5500 Phase Noise Measurement System 5-57...
Page 97 Expanding Your Measurement Experience Omitting Spurs 3. The Graph will be displayed without spurs. To re-display the spurs, check Spurs in the Display Preferences dialog box. 5-58 Agilent Technologies E5500 Phase Noise Measurement System...
Page 98: Displaying The Parameter Summary
1. On the View menu, click Parameter Summay. 2. The Parameter Summary Notepad dialog box appears. The data can be printed or changed using standard Notepad functionality. Agilent Technologies E5500 Phase Noise Measurement System 5-59...
Page 99: Exporting Measurement Results
“Exporting Spur Data” on page 5-62 • “Exporting X-Y Data” on page 5-63 1. On the File menu, point to Export Results, then click on either Trace Data, Spur Data, or X-Y Data. 5-60 Agilent Technologies E5500 Phase Noise Measurement System...
Page 100: Exporting Trace Data
Expanding Your Measurement Experience Exporting Measurement Results Exporting Trace Data 1. On the File menu, point to Export Results, then click on Trace Data. Agilent Technologies E5500 Phase Noise Measurement System 5-61...
Page 101: Exporting Spur Data
Expanding Your Measurement Experience Exporting Measurement Results Exporting Spur Data 1. On the File menu, point to Export Results, then click on Spur Data. 5-62 Agilent Technologies E5500 Phase Noise Measurement System...
Page 102: Exporting X-Y Data
Expanding Your Measurement Experience Exporting Measurement Results Exporting X-Y Data 1. On the File menu, point to Export Results, then click on X-Y Data. Agilent Technologies E5500 Phase Noise Measurement System 5-63...
Page 103: Absolute Measurement Fundamentals
Tracking Frequency Drift, page 6-12 • Changing the PTR, page 6-14 • Minimizing Injection Locking, page 6-16 • Inserting a Device, page 6-18 • Evaluating Noise Above the Small Angle Line, page 6-20 Agilent Technologies E5500 Phase Noise Measurement System 6-1...
Page 104: The Phase Lock Loop Technique
You will most likely use the phase lock loop technique since it is the measurement type most commonly used for measuring signal source devices. This chapter focuses on this measurement type for signal source measurements. 6-2 Agilent Technologies E5500 Phase Noise Measurement System...
Page 105: Understanding The Phase-Lock Loop Technique
PTR is determined using two parameters: • VCO tuning sensitivity (Hz/Volt) • Total voltage tuning range (Volts) PTR = (VCO Tuning Sensitivity) X (Total Voltage Tuning Range) PTR = (100 Hz/V) X (10 V) = 1000 Hz Agilent Technologies E5500 Phase Noise Measurement System 6-3...
Page 106 Figure 6-3 on page 6-5, the ranges calculated in the previous example are marked to show their relationship to the beatnote frequency. 6-4 Agilent Technologies E5500 Phase Noise Measurement System...
Page 107 Input Resistance of Tuning Port, (ohms) if the tuning constant is not to be measured. The measurement examples in the next chapter that recommend a specific VCO source will provide you with the tuning parameters for the specified source. Agilent Technologies E5500 Phase Noise Measurement System 6-5...
Page 108: What Sets The Measurement Noise Floor
R (signal ) input port sets the noise floor for the system. The following graph shows the relationship between the R (signal) input level and the system noise floor. 6-6 Agilent Technologies E5500 Phase Noise Measurement System...
Page 109: The Noise Level Of The Reference Source
System (which is the sum of all noise sources affecting the system) is increased above the actual noise level of the UUT. Figure 6-5 Increase in Measured Noise as Reference Source Noise Approaches UUT Noise Agilent Technologies E5500 Phase Noise Measurement System 6-7...
Page 110: Selecting A Reference
(The measured results will represent the sum of the noise of both devices.) 6-8 Agilent Technologies E5500 Phase Noise Measurement System...
Page 111: Using A Signal Generator
Other Signal Generator FM Deviation Calculate DCFM Calibrated for ±1V Other User VCO Estimated within a –10 to Figure 6-7 on 1 E + 6 Measure Source factor of 2 page 6-10 Agilent Technologies E5500 Phase Noise Measurement System 6-9...
Page 112 Absolute Measurement Fundamentals Selecting a Reference Figure 6-7 Agilent/HP 70420A Voltage Tuning Range Limits Relative to Center Voltage of the VCO Tuning Curve. 6-10 Agilent Technologies E5500 Phase Noise Measurement System...
Page 113: Estimating The Tuning Constant
Within a factor of 2 of actual value. (Enter 1 E + 6 for Input Resistance.) Calculate from expected T. Constant Exact, within 5% of actual. (Also requires that entered Input Resistance value is accurate.) Agilent Technologies E5500 Phase Noise Measurement System 6-11...
Page 114: Tracking Frequency Drift
You have two possible alternatives. 1. Minimize beatnote drift. • By Allowing sources to warm-up sufficiently. • By Selecting a different reference source with less drift. 2. Increase the capture and drift tracking Ranges. 6-12 Agilent Technologies E5500 Phase Noise Measurement System...
Page 115 By Selecting a measurement example in this chapter that specifies a drift rate compatible with the beatnote drift rate you have observed. By Increasing the peak tuning range for the measurement. (Further information about increasing the PTR is provided in Changing the PTR.) Agilent Technologies E5500 Phase Noise Measurement System 6-13...
Page 116: Changing The Ptr
PTR, it is important to remember that the VCO source must always meet the following tuning qualifications. • The tuning response of the VCO source must always remain monotonic. • The VCO source’s output level must remain constant across its tuning range. 6-14 Agilent Technologies E5500 Phase Noise Measurement System...
Page 117 VCO as an external time base. When a compatible VCO source is connected to the EXT INPUT on the Agilent/HP 8662/3, the tuning capability of the VCO source is transferred to the synthesizer. Agilent Technologies E5500 Phase Noise Measurement System 6-15...
Page 118: Minimizing Injection Locking
The injection locking bandwidth is the frequency of the beatnote just prior to where the injection locking occurs as the beatnote is tuned toward 0 Hz. 6-16 Agilent Technologies E5500 Phase Noise Measurement System...
Page 119 PTR required for the measurement. (For details on increasing the PTR, refer to Changing the PTR in this section. Figure 6-8 Peak Tuning Range (PTR) Required by Injection Locking. Agilent Technologies E5500 Phase Noise Measurement System 6-17...
Page 120: Inserting A Device
This instrument is the preferred solution for tests requiring an external amplifier. The following equation can be used to estimate what the measurement noise floor is as a result of the added noise of an inserted amplifier: 6-18 Agilent Technologies E5500 Phase Noise Measurement System...
Page 121 Inserting a Device L(f) out = -174 dB + Amplifier Noise Figure - Power into Amplifier - 3dB For Example, Figure 6-10 Measurement Noise Floor as a Result of an added Attenuator Agilent Technologies E5500 Phase Noise Measurement System 6-19...
Page 122: Evaluating Noise Above The Small Angle Line
If incrementing the frequency of one of the sources does not produce a beatnote within XXX kHz, you will need to verify the presence of an output signal from each source before proceeding. 6-20 Agilent Technologies E5500 Phase Noise Measurement System...
Page 123 [[ MKR ]] and MKR to Peak. 4. Press [[ REL MKR ]] , and MKR REF. 5. Press the [[ DEFINE TRACE ]]press the [[ and the MATH FUNCTION keys. Agilent Technologies E5500 Phase Noise Measurement System 6-21...
Page 124 PLL bandwidth, note the offset frequency and level of the noise. Use the graph in Figure 6-13 on page 6-23 determine the Peak Tuning Range (PTR) necessary to provide a sufficient PLL bandwidth to make the measurement. 6-22 Agilent Technologies E5500 Phase Noise Measurement System...
Page 125 (For information on increasing the PTR, refer to Changing the PTR in this section.) 3. Reduce the noise level of the signal sources. 4. Use the Discriminator technique to measure the phase noise level of your source. Agilent Technologies E5500 Phase Noise Measurement System 6-23...
Page 126: Absolute Measurement Examples
Table 7-3 on page 7-9. Apply the input signal when the Connection Diagram appears. Agilent Technologies E5500 Phase Noise Measurement System 7-1...
Page 127: Stable Rf Oscillator
Chapter 6, “Selecting a VCO Reference Source Refer to Reference” for more information about reference source requirements Coax Cables And adequate adapters to connect the UUT and reference source to the test set. 7-2 Agilent Technologies E5500 Phase Noise Measurement System...
Page 128: Defining The Measurement
To change these values, refer to Table 7-2 on page 7-4, then continue with step “a”. Otherwise, go to “Beginning the Measurement” on page 7-8: Agilent Technologies E5500 Phase Noise Measurement System 7-3...
Page 129 Range ( Ω) Method Agilent/HP 8662/3A υ 5 E – 9 x υ 1E + 6 Measure DCFM FM Deviation 1 K (8662) Compute 600 (8663) Compute Agilent/HP 8642A/B FM Deviation Compute 7-4 Agilent Technologies E5500 Phase Noise Measurement System...
Page 130: Selecting A Reference Source
1. From the Define menu, choose Measurement; then choose the Block Diagram tab from the Define Measurement window. Source 2. From the Reference Source pull-down list, select your source. 3. When you have completed these operations, click the Close button Agilent Technologies E5500 Phase Noise Measurement System 7-5...
Page 131: Selecting Loop Suppression Verification
UUT. (The Checking the Beatnote procedure in this section will provide you with an opportunity to estimate the measurement noise floor that your UUT will provide.) 7-6 Agilent Technologies E5500 Phase Noise Measurement System...
Page 132 If the output amplitude of your UUT is not sufficient to provide an adequate measurement noise floor, it will be necessary to insert a low-noise amplifier between the UUT and the test set. Refer to “Inserting an Device” in Agilent Technologies E5500 Phase Noise Measurement System 7-7...
Page 133: Beginning The Measurement
UUT and reference sources to the test set. The input attenuator (Option 001 only) has now been correctly configured based on your measurement definition. CAUTION The Agilent/HP 70420A test set’s signal input is subject to the following limits and characteristics: 7-8 Agilent Technologies E5500 Phase Noise Measurement System...
Page 134 (Option 001) has been correctly set by the phase noise software, which will occur at the connection diagram. Characteristics: Input Impedance 50 ohm Nominal AM Noise dc coupled to 50 ohm load Agilent Technologies E5500 Phase Noise Measurement System 7-9...
Page 135 “E5503B Option 001 Connect Diagram Example” on page 7-16 “E5504A Option 201 Connect Diagram Example” on page 7-17 “E5504B Option 201 Connect Diagram Example” on page 7-18 NOTE For additional examples, refer to Chapter 19, “Connect Diagrams” 7-10 Agilent Technologies E5500 Phase Noise Measurement System...
Page 136 Absolute Measurement Examples Stable RF Oscillator E5501A Standard Connect Diagram Example Agilent Technologies E5500 Phase Noise Measurement System 7-11...
Page 137 Absolute Measurement Examples Stable RF Oscillator E5501B Standard Connect Diagram Example 7-12 Agilent Technologies E5500 Phase Noise Measurement System...
Page 138 Absolute Measurement Examples Stable RF Oscillator E5502A Option 001 Connect Diagram Example Agilent Technologies E5500 Phase Noise Measurement System 7-13...
Page 139 Absolute Measurement Examples Stable RF Oscillator E5502B Option 001 Connect Diagram Example 7-14 Agilent Technologies E5500 Phase Noise Measurement System...
Page 140 Absolute Measurement Examples Stable RF Oscillator E5503A Option 001 Connect Diagram Example Agilent Technologies E5500 Phase Noise Measurement System 7-15...
Page 141 Absolute Measurement Examples Stable RF Oscillator E5503B Option 001 Connect Diagram Example 7-16 Agilent Technologies E5500 Phase Noise Measurement System...
Page 142 Absolute Measurement Examples Stable RF Oscillator E5504A Option 201 Connect Diagram Example Agilent Technologies E5500 Phase Noise Measurement System 7-17...
Page 143 Absolute Measurement Examples Stable RF Oscillator E5504B Option 201 Connect Diagram Example 7-18 Agilent Technologies E5500 Phase Noise Measurement System...
Page 144: Checking The Beatnote
If incrementing the frequency of one of the sources does not produce a beatnote, you will need to verify the presence of an output signal from each source before proceeding. Agilent Technologies E5500 Phase Noise Measurement System 7-19...
Page 145: Making The Measurement
1. Click the Continue button when you have completed the beatnote check and are ready to make the measurement. Measurement 2. When the PLL Suppression Curve dialog box appears, select View Measured Loop Suppression, View Smoothed Loop Suppression, and View Adjusted Loop Suppression. 7-20 Agilent Technologies E5500 Phase Noise Measurement System...
Page 146 Figure 7-5 on page 7-21 shows a typical phase noise curve for a stable RF Oscillator. Figure 7-5 Typical Phase Noise Curve for a Stable RF Oscillator. Agilent Technologies E5500 Phase Noise Measurement System 7-21...
Page 147 • None • Phase Detector • Automatic Detector Selection • Test Set Tune Voltage Output • Front Panel • Test Set Tune Voltage Destination • Reference Source • VCO Tune Mode • DCFM 7-22 Agilent Technologies E5500 Phase Noise Measurement System...
Page 148 • 1 times the current carrier frequency • Shift trace data DOWN by: • 0 dB • Trace Smoothing Amount • 0 • Power present at input of DUT • 0 dB Agilent Technologies E5500 Phase Noise Measurement System 7-23...
Page 149: Free-Running Rf Oscillator
Chapter 6, Agilent/HP 8644B Refer to the “ “Selecting a Reference” more information about reference source requirements Coax Cables And adequate adapters to connect the UUT and reference source to the test set. 7-24 Agilent Technologies E5500 Phase Noise Measurement System...
Page 150: Defining The Measurement
To change these values, refer to Table 7-6 on page 7-26, then continue with step “a”. Otherwise, go “Beginning the Measurement” on page 7-31: Agilent Technologies E5500 Phase Noise Measurement System 7-25...
Page 151 Range ( Ω) Method Agilent/HP 8662/3A υ 5 E – 9 x υ 1E + 6 Measure DCFM FM Deviation 1 K (8662) Compute 600 (8663) Compute Agilent/HP 8642A/B FM Deviation Compute 7-26 Agilent Technologies E5500 Phase Noise Measurement System...
Page 152: Selecting A Reference Source
1. From the Define menu, choose Measurement; then choose the Block Diagram tab from the Define Measurement window. Source 2. From the Reference Source pull-down list, select your source. 3. When you have completed these operations, click the Close button Agilent Technologies E5500 Phase Noise Measurement System 7-27...
Page 153: Selecting Loop Suppression Verification
UUT. (The Checking the Beatnote procedure in this section will provide you with an opportunity to estimate the measurement noise floor that your UUT will provide.) 7-28 Agilent Technologies E5500 Phase Noise Measurement System...
Page 154 Absolute Measurement Examples Free-Running RF Oscillator Figure 7-6 Noise Floor for the Free-Running RF Oscillator Measurement Figure 7-7 Noise Floor Calculation Example Agilent Technologies E5500 Phase Noise Measurement System 7-29...
Page 155 In order for the noise measurement results to accurately represent the noise of the UUT, the noise level of the reference source should be below the expected noise level of the UUT. 7-30 Agilent Technologies E5500 Phase Noise Measurement System...
Page 156: Beginning The Measurement
• RF Phase Detectors 0 to +23 dBm (Signal Input) +15 to +23 dBm (Reference Input) • Microwave Phase Detectors 0 to +5 dBm (Signal Input) +7 to +10 dBm (Reference Input) Agilent Technologies E5500 Phase Noise Measurement System 7-31...
Page 157 Connect Diagram for the Free-Running RF Oscillator Measurement 4. Refer to the following system connect diagram examples for more information about system interconnections: “E5501A Standard Connect Diagram Example” on page 7-34 “E5501B Standard Connect Diagram Example” on page 7-35 7-32 Agilent Technologies E5500 Phase Noise Measurement System...
Page 158 “E5503B Option 001 Connect Diagram Example” on page 7-39 “E5504A Option 201 Connect Diagram Example” on page 7-40 “E5504B Option 201 Connect Diagram Example” on page 7-41 NOTE For additional examples, refer to Chapter 19, “Connect Diagrams” Agilent Technologies E5500 Phase Noise Measurement System 7-33...
Page 159 Absolute Measurement Examples Free-Running RF Oscillator E5501A Standard Connect Diagram Example 7-34 Agilent Technologies E5500 Phase Noise Measurement System...
Page 160 Absolute Measurement Examples Free-Running RF Oscillator E5501B Standard Connect Diagram Example Agilent Technologies E5500 Phase Noise Measurement System 7-35...
Page 161 Absolute Measurement Examples Free-Running RF Oscillator E5502A Option 001 Connect Diagram Example 7-36 Agilent Technologies E5500 Phase Noise Measurement System...
Page 162 Absolute Measurement Examples Free-Running RF Oscillator E5502B Option 001 Connect Diagram Example Agilent Technologies E5500 Phase Noise Measurement System 7-37...
Page 163 Absolute Measurement Examples Free-Running RF Oscillator E5503A Option 001 Connect Diagram Example 7-38 Agilent Technologies E5500 Phase Noise Measurement System...
Page 164 Absolute Measurement Examples Free-Running RF Oscillator E5503B Option 001 Connect Diagram Example Agilent Technologies E5500 Phase Noise Measurement System 7-39...
Page 165 Absolute Measurement Examples Free-Running RF Oscillator E5504A Option 201 Connect Diagram Example 7-40 Agilent Technologies E5500 Phase Noise Measurement System...
Page 166 Absolute Measurement Examples Free-Running RF Oscillator E5504B Option 201 Connect Diagram Example Agilent Technologies E5500 Phase Noise Measurement System 7-41...
Page 167: Checking The Beatnote
If incrementing the frequency of one of the sources does not produce a beatnote, you will need to verify the presence of an output signal from each source before proceeding. 7-42 Agilent Technologies E5500 Phase Noise Measurement System...
Page 168 If you are not able to tune the beatnote to within the capture range due to frequency drift, refer to Tracking Frequency Drift in the Problem Solving section of this chapter for information about measuring drifting signals. Agilent Technologies E5500 Phase Noise Measurement System 7-43...
Page 169: Making The Measurement
(in the theoretical response) to match the “smoothed” measured curve as closely as possible; When the measurement is complete, refer to Chapter 15, “Evaluating Your Measurement Results” for help in evaluating your measurement results. 7-44 Agilent Technologies E5500 Phase Noise Measurement System...
Page 170 Absolute Measurement Examples Free-Running RF Oscillator Figure 7-10 on page 7-45 shows a typical phase noise curve for a free-running RF Oscillator. Figure 7-10 Typical Phase Noise Curve for a Free-Running RF Oscillator. Agilent Technologies E5500 Phase Noise Measurement System 7-45...
Page 171 • Reference Source • Agilent/HP 8644B (System Control) • Timebase • None • Phase Detector • Automatic Detector Selection • Test Set Tune Voltage • Reference Source Destination • DCFM • VCO Tune Mode 7-46 Agilent Technologies E5500 Phase Noise Measurement System...
Page 172 • 1 times the current carrier frequency carrier frequency of: • Shift trace data DOWN by: • 0 dB • Trace Smoothing Amount • 0 • Power present at input of DUT • 0 dB Agilent Technologies E5500 Phase Noise Measurement System 7-47...
Page 173: Rf Synthesizer Using Dcfm
Must have DCFM Input Port. Chapter 6, Refer to the “Selecting a Reference” more information about reference source requirements Coax Cables And adequate adapters to connect the UUT and reference source to the test set. 7-48 Agilent Technologies E5500 Phase Noise Measurement System...
Page 174: Defining The Measurement
To change these values, refer to Table 7-10 on page 7-50, then continue with step “a”. Otherwise, go “Beginning the Measurement” on page 7-55: Agilent Technologies E5500 Phase Noise Measurement System 7-49...
Page 175 Range ( Ω) Method Agilent/HP 8662/3A υ 5 E – 9 x υ 1E + 6 Measure DCFM FM Deviation 1 K (8662) Compute 600 (8663) Compute Agilent/HP 8642A/B FM Deviation Compute 7-50 Agilent Technologies E5500 Phase Noise Measurement System...
Page 176: Selecting A Reference Source
1. From the Define menu, choose Measurement; then choose the Block Diagram tab from the Define Measurement window. Source 2. From the Reference Source pull-down list, select your source. 3. When you have completed these operations, click the Close button Agilent Technologies E5500 Phase Noise Measurement System 7-51...
Page 177: Selecting Loop Suppression Verification
Agilent/HP 70420A sets the measurement noise floor level. Use the following graph to determine the amplitude required to provide a noise floor Measurement level that is below the expected noise floor of your UUT. 7-52 Agilent Technologies E5500 Phase Noise Measurement System...
Page 178 Absolute Measurement Examples RF Synthesizer using DCFM Figure 7-11 Noise Floor for the RF Synthesizer (DCFM) Measurement Figure 7-12 Noise Floor Calculation Example Agilent Technologies E5500 Phase Noise Measurement System 7-53...
Page 179 This setup uses the Agilent/HP 8663A as the VCO reference source. In order for the noise measurement results to accurately represent the noise of the UUT, the noise level of the reference source should be below the expected noise level of the UUT. 7-54 Agilent Technologies E5500 Phase Noise Measurement System...
Page 180: Beginning The Measurement
• RF Phase Detectors 0 to +23 dBm (Signal Input) +15 to +23 dBm (Reference Input) • Microwave Phase Detectors 0 to +5 dBm (Signal Input) +7 to +10 dBm (Reference Input) Agilent Technologies E5500 Phase Noise Measurement System 7-55...
Page 181 Connect Diagram for the RF Synthesizer (DC FM) Measurement 4. Refer to the following system connect diagram examples for more information about system interconnections: “E5501A Standard Connect Diagram Example” on page 7-58 “E5501B Standard Connect Diagram Example” on page 7-59 7-56 Agilent Technologies E5500 Phase Noise Measurement System...
Page 182 “E5503B Option 001 Connect Diagram Example” on page 7-39 “E5504A Option 201 Connect Diagram Example” on page 7-64 “E5504B Option 201 Connect Diagram Example” on page 7-65 NOTE For additional examples, refer to Chapter 19, “Connect Diagrams” Agilent Technologies E5500 Phase Noise Measurement System 7-57...
Page 183 Absolute Measurement Examples RF Synthesizer using DCFM E5501A Standard Connect Diagram Example 7-58 Agilent Technologies E5500 Phase Noise Measurement System...
Page 184 Absolute Measurement Examples RF Synthesizer using DCFM E5501B Standard Connect Diagram Example Agilent Technologies E5500 Phase Noise Measurement System 7-59...
Page 185 Absolute Measurement Examples RF Synthesizer using DCFM E5502A Option 001 Connect Diagram Example 7-60 Agilent Technologies E5500 Phase Noise Measurement System...
Page 186 Absolute Measurement Examples RF Synthesizer using DCFM E5502B Option 001 Connect Diagram Example Agilent Technologies E5500 Phase Noise Measurement System 7-61...
Page 187 Absolute Measurement Examples RF Synthesizer using DCFM E5503A Option 001 Connect Diagram Example 7-62 Agilent Technologies E5500 Phase Noise Measurement System...
Page 188 Absolute Measurement Examples RF Synthesizer using DCFM E5503B Option 001 Connect Diagram Example Agilent Technologies E5500 Phase Noise Measurement System 7-63...
Page 189 Absolute Measurement Examples RF Synthesizer using DCFM E5504A Option 201 Connect Diagram Example 7-64 Agilent Technologies E5500 Phase Noise Measurement System...
Page 190 Absolute Measurement Examples RF Synthesizer using DCFM E5504B Option 201 Connect Diagram Example Agilent Technologies E5500 Phase Noise Measurement System 7-65...
Page 191: Checking The Beatnote
If incrementing the frequency of one of the sources does not produce a beatnote, you will need to verify the presence of an output signal from each source before proceeding. 7-66 Agilent Technologies E5500 Phase Noise Measurement System...
Page 192 Absolute Measurement Examples RF Synthesizer using DCFM Figure 7-14 Oscilloscope Display of a Beatnote out of the Agilent/HP 70420A Monitor Port Agilent Technologies E5500 Phase Noise Measurement System 7-67...
Page 193: Making The Measurement
(in the theoretical response) to match the “smoothed” measured curve as closely as possible; When the measurement is complete, refer to Chapter 15, “Evaluating Your Measurement Results” for help in evaluating your measurement results. 7-68 Agilent Technologies E5500 Phase Noise Measurement System...
Page 194 RF Synthesizer using DCFM Figure 7-15 on page 7-69 shows a typical phase noise curve for a RF synthesizer using DCFM. Figure 7-15 Typical Phase Noise Curve for an RF Synthesizer using DCFM. Agilent Technologies E5500 Phase Noise Measurement System 7-69...
Page 195 • Reference Source • Agilent/HP 8663A • Timebase • None • Phase Detector • Automatic Detector Selection • Test Set Tune Voltage • Reference Source Destination • DCFM • VCO Tune Mode 7-70 Agilent Technologies E5500 Phase Noise Measurement System...
Page 196 • 1 times the current carrier frequency carrier frequency of: • Shift trace data DOWN by: • 0 dB • Trace Smoothing Amount • 0 • Power present at input of DUT • 0 dB Agilent Technologies E5500 Phase Noise Measurement System 7-71...
Page 197: Rf Synthesizer Using Efc
Must have EFC Input Port. Chapter 6, “Selecting a Refer to Reference” for more information about reference source requirements Coax Cables And adequate adapters to connect the UUT and reference source to the test set. 7-72 Agilent Technologies E5500 Phase Noise Measurement System...
Page 198: Defining The Measurement
To change these values, refer to Table 7-14 on page 7-75, then continue with step “a”. Otherwise, go to “Beginning the Measurement” on page 7-80: Agilent Technologies E5500 Phase Noise Measurement System 7-73...
Page 199 (5 E - 9) X (300 E + 6) = (1500 E - 3) = 1.5 e. Enter the Tune Range of VCO (Table 7-14). Enter the Center Voltage of VCO (see Table 7-14). g. Enter the Input Resistance of VCO (see Table 7-14). 7-74 Agilent Technologies E5500 Phase Noise Measurement System...
Page 200: Selecting A Reference Source
Selecting a Reference 1. From the Define menu, choose Measurement; then choose the Block Diagram tab from the Define Measurement window. Source 2. From the Reference Source pull-down list, select your source. Agilent Technologies E5500 Phase Noise Measurement System 7-75...
Page 201: Selecting Loop Suppression Verification
2. In the Cal dialog box, check Verify calculated phase locked loop suppression and Always Show Suppression Graph. Select If limit is exceeded: Show Loop Suppression Graph. 3. When you have completed these operations, click the Close button 7-76 Agilent Technologies E5500 Phase Noise Measurement System...
Page 202: Selecting A Reference Source
Agilent/HP 70420A sets the measurement noise floor level. Use the following graph to determine the amplitude required to provide a noise floor Measurement level that is below the expected noise floor of your UUT. Agilent Technologies E5500 Phase Noise Measurement System 7-77...
Page 203 UUT and the Agilent/HP 70420A input. (Refer to “Inserting an Device” in Chapter 6, “Absolute Measurement Fundamentals” for details on determining the effect that the amplifier’s noise will have on the measured noise floor.) 7-78 Agilent Technologies E5500 Phase Noise Measurement System...
Page 204 This setup uses the Agilent/HP 8663A as the VCO reference source. In order for the noise measurement results to accurately represent the noise of the UUT, the noise level of the reference source should be below the expected noise level of the UUT. Agilent Technologies E5500 Phase Noise Measurement System 7-79...
Page 205: Beginning The Measurement
• RF Phase Detectors 0 to +23 dBm (Signal Input) +15 to +23 dBm (Reference Input) • Microwave Phase Detectors 0 to +5 dBm (Signal Input) +7 to +10 dBm (Reference Input) 7-80 Agilent Technologies E5500 Phase Noise Measurement System...
Page 206 Connect Diagram for the RF Synthesizer (EFC) Measurement 4. Refer to the following system connect diagram examples for more information about system interconnections: “E5501A Standard Connect Diagram Example” on page 7-83 “E5501B Standard Connect Diagram Example” on page 7-35 Agilent Technologies E5500 Phase Noise Measurement System 7-81...
Page 207 “E5503B Option 001 Connect Diagram Example” on page 7-88 “E5504A Option 201 Connect Diagram Example” on page 7-89 “E5504B Option 201 Connect Diagram Example” on page 7-90 NOTE For additional examples, refer to Chapter 19, “Connect Diagrams” 7-82 Agilent Technologies E5500 Phase Noise Measurement System...
Page 208 Absolute Measurement Examples RF Synthesizer using EFC E5501A Standard Connect Diagram Example Agilent Technologies E5500 Phase Noise Measurement System 7-83...
Page 209 Absolute Measurement Examples RF Synthesizer using EFC E5501B Standard Connect Diagram Example 7-84 Agilent Technologies E5500 Phase Noise Measurement System...
Page 210 Absolute Measurement Examples RF Synthesizer using EFC E5502A Option 001 Connect Diagram Example Agilent Technologies E5500 Phase Noise Measurement System 7-85...
Page 211 Absolute Measurement Examples RF Synthesizer using EFC E5502B Option 001 Connect Diagram Example 7-86 Agilent Technologies E5500 Phase Noise Measurement System...
Page 212 Absolute Measurement Examples RF Synthesizer using EFC E5503A Option 001 Connect Diagram Example Agilent Technologies E5500 Phase Noise Measurement System 7-87...
Page 213 Absolute Measurement Examples RF Synthesizer using EFC E5503B Option 001 Connect Diagram Example 7-88 Agilent Technologies E5500 Phase Noise Measurement System...
Page 214 Absolute Measurement Examples RF Synthesizer using EFC E5504A Option 201 Connect Diagram Example Agilent Technologies E5500 Phase Noise Measurement System 7-89...
Page 215 Absolute Measurement Examples RF Synthesizer using EFC E5504B Option 201 Connect Diagram Example 7-90 Agilent Technologies E5500 Phase Noise Measurement System...
Page 216: Checking The Beatnote
If incrementing the frequency of one of the sources does not produce a beatnote, you will need to verify the presence of an output signal from each source before proceeding. Agilent Technologies E5500 Phase Noise Measurement System 7-91...
Page 217 Absolute Measurement Examples RF Synthesizer using EFC Figure 7-18 Oscilloscope Display of a Beatnote out of the Agilent/HP 70420A Monitor Port 7-92 Agilent Technologies E5500 Phase Noise Measurement System...
Page 218: Making The Measurement
(in the theoretical response) to match the “smoothed” measured curve as closely as possible; When the measurement is complete, refer to Chapter 15, “Evaluating Your Measurement Results” for help in evaluating your measurement results. Agilent Technologies E5500 Phase Noise Measurement System 7-93...
Page 219 RF Synthesizer using EFC Figure 7-5 on page 7-21 shows a typical phase noise curve for a RF synthesizer using EFC. Figure 7-19 Typical Phase Noise Curve for an RF Synthesizer using EFC. 7-94 Agilent Technologies E5500 Phase Noise Measurement System...
Page 220 • Reference Source • Agilent/HP 8663A • Timebase • None • Phase Detector • Automatic Detector Selection • Test Set Tune Voltage • Reference Source Destination • EFC • VCO Tune Mode Agilent Technologies E5500 Phase Noise Measurement System 7-95...
Page 221 • 1 times the current carrier frequency carrier frequency of: • Shift trace data DOWN by: • 0 dB • Trace Smoothing Amount • 0 • Power present at input of DUT • 0 dB 7-96 Agilent Technologies E5500 Phase Noise Measurement System...
Page 222: Microwave Source
Agilent/HP 70422A Must be entered in the Asset Manager and Server Hardware Connections dialog box. Coax Cables And adequate adapters to connect the UUT and reference source to the test set. Agilent Technologies E5500 Phase Noise Measurement System 7-97...
Page 223: Defining The Measurement
To change these values, refer to Table 7-18 on page 7-100, then continue with step “a”. Otherwise, go to “Beginning the Measurement” on page 7-103: 7-98 Agilent Technologies E5500 Phase Noise Measurement System...
Page 224 (5 E - 9) X (18 E + 9) = 90 d. Enter the Tune Range of VCO (see Table 7-18). e. Enter the Center Voltage of VCO (see Table 7-18). Enter the Input Resistance of VCO (see Table 7-18). Agilent Technologies E5500 Phase Noise Measurement System 7-99...
Page 225: Selecting A Reference Source
Selecting a Reference 1. From the Define menu, choose Measurement; then choose the Block Diagram tab from the Define Measurement window. Source 2. From the Reference Source pull-down list, select your source. 7-100 Agilent Technologies E5500 Phase Noise Measurement System...
Page 226: Selecting Loop Suppression Verification
Agilent/HP 70422A when used with the Agilent/HP 8644B. Use it to help you estimate if the measurement noise floor that it provides is below the expected noise level of your UUT. Agilent Technologies E5500 Phase Noise Measurement System 7-101...
Page 227 UUT and the Agilent/HP 70422A input. (Refer to “Inserting an Device” in Chapter 6, “Absolute Measurement Fundamentals” for details on determining the effect that the amplifier’s noise will have on the measured noise floor.) 7-102 Agilent Technologies E5500 Phase Noise Measurement System...
Page 228: Beginning The Measurement
• RF Phase Detectors 0 to +23 dBm (Signal Input) +15 to +23 dBm (Reference Input) • Microwave Phase Detectors 0 to +5 dBm (Signal Input) +7 to +10 dBm (Reference Input) Agilent Technologies E5500 Phase Noise Measurement System 7-103...
Page 229 4. Refer to the following system connect diagram examples for more information about system interconnections: “E5503A Option 001 Connect Diagram Example” on page 7-106 “E5503B Option 001 Connect Diagram Example” on page 7-107 “E5504A Option 201 Connect Diagram Example” on page 7-40 7-104 Agilent Technologies E5500 Phase Noise Measurement System...
Page 230 Absolute Measurement Examples Microwave Source “E5504B Option 201 Connect Diagram Example” on page 7-109 NOTE For additional examples, refer to Chapter 19, “Connect Diagrams” Agilent Technologies E5500 Phase Noise Measurement System 7-105...
Page 231 Absolute Measurement Examples Microwave Source E5503A Option 001 Connect Diagram Example 7-106 Agilent Technologies E5500 Phase Noise Measurement System...
Page 232 Absolute Measurement Examples Microwave Source E5503B Option 001 Connect Diagram Example Agilent Technologies E5500 Phase Noise Measurement System 7-107...
Page 233 Absolute Measurement Examples Microwave Source E5504A Option 201 Connect Diagram Example 7-108 Agilent Technologies E5500 Phase Noise Measurement System...
Page 234 Absolute Measurement Examples Microwave Source E5504B Option 201 Connect Diagram Example Agilent Technologies E5500 Phase Noise Measurement System 7-109...
Page 235: Checking The Beatnote
If incrementing the frequency of one of the sources does not produce a beatnote, you will need to verify the presence of an output signal from each source before proceeding. 7-110 Agilent Technologies E5500 Phase Noise Measurement System...
Page 236 If you are not able to tune the beatnote to within the capture range due to frequency drift, refer to Tracking Frequency Drift in the Problem Solving section of this chapter for information about measuring drifting signals. Agilent Technologies E5500 Phase Noise Measurement System 7-111...
Page 237: Making The Measurement
(in the theoretical response) to match the “smoothed” measured curve as closely as possible; When the measurement is complete, refer to Chapter 15, “Evaluating Your Measurement Results” for help in evaluating your measurement results. 7-112 Agilent Technologies E5500 Phase Noise Measurement System...
Page 238 Absolute Measurement Examples Microwave Source Figure 7-5 on page 7-21 shows a typical phase noise curve for a microwave source. Figure 7-23 Typical Phase Noise Curve for an Microwave Source. Agilent Technologies E5500 Phase Noise Measurement System 7-113...
Page 239 • Reference Source • Agilent/HP 8644B (System Control) • Timebase • None • Phase Detector • Automatic Detector Selection • Test Set Tune Voltage • Reference Source Destination • DCFM • VCO Tune Mode 7-114 Agilent Technologies E5500 Phase Noise Measurement System...
Page 240 • 1 times the current carrier frequency • Shift trace data DOWN by: • Trace Smoothing Amount • 0 dB • Power present at input of DUT • 0 • 0 dB Agilent Technologies E5500 Phase Noise Measurement System 7-115...
Page 241 Measured +/- DC Peak Voltage, page 8-13 Measured Beatnote, page 8-16 Synthesized Residual Measurement using Beatnote Cal, page 8-19 Double-Sided Spur, page 8-21 Single-Sided Spur, page 8-24 • Measurement Difficulties, page 8-28 Agilent Technologies E5500 Phase Noise Measurement System 8-1...
Page 242: Residual Measurement Fundamentals
This mixing is due to any non-linearities in the two-port network. The baseband noise may be produced by the active device(s) of the internal network, or may come from low-frequency noise on the signal or power supply. 8-2 Agilent Technologies E5500 Phase Noise Measurement System...
Page 243 Residual Measurement Fundamentals What is Residual Noise? Figure 8-2 Multiplicative Noise Components Agilent Technologies E5500 Phase Noise Measurement System 8-3...
Page 244: Basic Assumptions Regarding Residual Phase Noise Measurements
UUT must be put in each path. The result will be the sum of Devices the noise from each UUT. In other words, each UUT is at least as quiet as the measured result. 8-4 Agilent Technologies E5500 Phase Noise Measurement System...
Page 245 UUT’s. Figure 8-4 Measurement Setup for Two Similar UUTs Agilent Technologies E5500 Phase Noise Measurement System 8-5...
Page 246: Calibrating The Measurement
In other words, by keeping the cables τ between the phase detector and power splitter short, will be small. 8-6 Agilent Technologies E5500 Phase Noise Measurement System...
Page 247 UUT and other phase-sensitive components from mechanically-induced phase noise. The mechanical shock of bumping the test set or kicking the table will often knock a sensitive residual phase noise measurement out of quadrature. Agilent Technologies E5500 Phase Noise Measurement System 8-7...
Page 248 The amplifier’s sensitivity to power supply noise and the power supply noise itself must both be minimized. 8-8 Agilent Technologies E5500 Phase Noise Measurement System...
Page 249: The Calibration Options
The user entry of the phase detector constant is the least accurate of all the calibration methods. • It does not take into account the amount of power at harmonics of the signal. Agilent Technologies E5500 Phase Noise Measurement System 8-9...
Page 250 Current Detector Constant when you define your measurement. (Note that the approximate measurement noise floor provided by the Signal Input port level is shown across the bottom of the graph.) 8-10 Agilent Technologies E5500 Phase Noise Measurement System...
Page 251 Adjust the phase difference at the phase detector to 90 degrees (quadrature) by either adjusting the test frequency or by adjusting an optional variable phase shifter or line stretcher. Quadrature is attained when the meter is set to center scale, zero. Agilent Technologies E5500 Phase Noise Measurement System 8-11...
Page 252 For the system to accept the adjustment to quadrature, the meter must be within ±2 mV to ±4 mV. 8. Once you have attained quadrature, you are ready to proceed with the measurement. Figure 8-8 Measuring Power at Phase Detector Reference Input Port 8-12 Agilent Technologies E5500 Phase Noise Measurement System...
Page 253 2. Measure the power level that will be applied to the Signal Input port of the Agilent/HP 70420A’s Phase Detector. The following chart shows the acceptable amplitude ranges for the Agilent/HP 70420A Phase Detectors. Agilent Technologies E5500 Phase Noise Measurement System 8-13...
Page 254 As an example, noise could affect a voltmeter reading, whereas, on the oscilloscope any noise can be viewed and the signal corrected to minimize the noise before making the reading. 8-14 Agilent Technologies E5500 Phase Noise Measurement System...
Page 255 5. The system software will then calculate the phase detector constant automatically using the following algorithm: 6. The system software will then prompt you to set the phase noise software’s meter to quadrature. 7. The system will now measure the noise data. Agilent Technologies E5500 Phase Noise Measurement System 8-15...
Page 256: Measured Beatnote
It requires two RF sources, separated by .1 Hz to 50 MHz at the phase detector. The calibration source output power must be manually adjusted to the same level as the power splitter output it replaces (requires a power meter). 8-16 Agilent Technologies E5500 Phase Noise Measurement System...
Page 257: Procedure
5. Adjust the output frequency such that the beatnote frequency is within the range of the analyzers being used. 6. The system can now measure the calibration constant. 7. Disconnect the calibration source and reconnect the power splitter. Agilent Technologies E5500 Phase Noise Measurement System 8-17...
Page 258 For the system to accept the adjustment to quadrature, the meter must be within ±2 mV to ±4 mV. 9. Reset quadrature and measure phase noise data. Figure 8-11 Calibration Source Beatnote Injection 8-18 Agilent Technologies E5500 Phase Noise Measurement System...
Page 259: Synthesized Residual Measurement Using Beatnote Cal
1. Connect circuit as per Figure 8-12 on page 8-19, and tighten all connections. Figure 8-12 Synthesized Residual Measurement using Beatnote Cal 2. Offset the carrier frequency of one synthesizer to produce a beatnote for cal. Agilent Technologies E5500 Phase Noise Measurement System 8-19...
Page 260 (quadrature) either by adjusting the synthesizer or by adjusting an optional variable phase shifter or line stretcher. Quadrature is achieved when the meter on the front panel of the phase noise interface is set to zero. 8-20 Agilent Technologies E5500 Phase Noise Measurement System...
Page 261: Double-Sided Spur
Requires RF spectrum analyzer for manual measurement of sidebands or preferably a modulation analyzer. NOTE Most phase modulators are typically narrow-band devices; therefore, a wide range of test frequencies may require multiple phase modulators. Agilent Technologies E5500 Phase Noise Measurement System 8-21...
Page 262 The audio calibration source should be adjusted such that the sidebands are between –30 and –60 dB below the carrier and the audio frequency is between 50 Hz and 50 MHz. 8-22 Agilent Technologies E5500 Phase Noise Measurement System...
Page 263 7. Set the Type of Measurement to Phase Noise Without Using a PLL. 8. Set the Calibration Technique to Derive From Double-sided Spur and enter the sideband amplitude and offset frequency. 9. Select New Measurement. Agilent Technologies E5500 Phase Noise Measurement System 8-23...
Page 264: Single-Sided Spur
Requires a second RF sources that can be set between 10 Hz and up to 50 MHz (depending on the baseband analyzer used) from the carrier source frequency. Requires an RF spectrum analyzer for manual measurement of the signal-to-spur ratio and the spur offset frequency. 8-24 Agilent Technologies E5500 Phase Noise Measurement System...
Page 265 Signal Input (R Port) Port) 15 dBm 0 dBm 7 dBm 0 dBm 23 dBm 23 dBm 10 dBm 5 dBm 1. Agilent/HP 70420A Phase Noise Test Set Options 001 and 201 Agilent Technologies E5500 Phase Noise Measurement System 8-25...
Page 266 –20 dB coupler. This isolation can be improved at the expense of signal level by adding an attenuator between the coupler and the power splitter. 8-26 Agilent Technologies E5500 Phase Noise Measurement System...
Page 267 ±2 mV to ±4 mV. 7. Enter sideband level and offset. 8. Check quadrature and measure the phase detector constant. 9. Remove audio source. 10. Reset quadrature and measure phase noise data. Agilent Technologies E5500 Phase Noise Measurement System 8-27...
Page 268: Measurement Difficulties
The first thing to check if problems occur is the instrument connections and settings as this is the most common error. It is also important to make sure the levels are correct into the Agilent/HP 70420A Phase Detector Inputs. 8-28 Agilent Technologies E5500 Phase Noise Measurement System...
Page 269: Residual Measurement Examples
Table 9-2 on page 9-8. Apply the input signal when the Connection Diagram appears. Agilent Technologies E5500 Phase Noise Measurement System 9-1...
Page 270: Amplifier Measurement Example
Equipment Quantity Comments RF Amplifier Stimulus Source Frequency of amplitude under test Power Splitter NARDA 30183 Coax Cables And adequate adapters to connect the UUT and reference source to the test set. 9-2 Agilent Technologies E5500 Phase Noise Measurement System...
Page 271: Defining The Measurement
Defining the 1. From the File menu, choose Open. Measurement 2. If necessary, choose the drive or directory where the file you want is stored. 3. In the File Name box, choose “res_noise_1ghz_demoamp.pnm”. Agilent Technologies E5500 Phase Noise Measurement System 9-3...
Page 272 5. From the Define menu, choose Measurement; then choose the Type and Range tab from the Define Measurement window. a. From the Measurement Type pull-down, select Residual Phase Noise (without using phase lock loop). 9-4 Agilent Technologies E5500 Phase Noise Measurement System...
Page 273 Enter the carrier (center) frequency of your UUT. Enter the same frequency for the detector input frequency. 7. Choose the Cal tab from the Define Measurement window. b. Select Derive detector constant from measured +/- DC peak voltage as the calibration method. Agilent Technologies E5500 Phase Noise Measurement System 9-5...
Page 274 9. Choose the Graph tab from the Define Measurement window. a. Enter a graph description of your choice (E5500 Residual Phase Noise Measurement @ 1 GHz, for example). 10. When you have completed these operations, click the Close button. 9-6 Agilent Technologies E5500 Phase Noise Measurement System...
Page 275: Setup Considerations
Filtering on power supply lines • Protection from microphonics • Shielding from air currents may be necessary. Beginning the 1. From the View menu, choose Meter to select the quadrature meter. Measurement Agilent Technologies E5500 Phase Noise Measurement System 9-7...
Page 276 +23 dBm (+30 dBm for Option 001) At Attenuator Output, Operating Level Range: • RF Phase Detectors 0 to +23 dBm (Signal Input) +15 to +23 dBm (Reference Input) 9-8 Agilent Technologies E5500 Phase Noise Measurement System...
Page 277 (Option 001) has been correctly set by the phase noise software, which will occur at the connection diagram. Characteristics: Input Impedance 50 ohm Nominal Figure 9-1 Setup diagram for the Agilent/HP 8349A Amplifier Measurement Example. Agilent Technologies E5500 Phase Noise Measurement System 9-9...
Page 278: Making The Measurement
2. Measure the power level that will be applied to the Signal Input port of the Agilent/HP 70420A’s phase detector. The following chart shows the acceptable amplitude ranges for the Agilent/HP 70420A phase detectors. 9-10 Agilent Technologies E5500 Phase Noise Measurement System...
Page 279 7 dBm 0 dBm 23 dBm 23 dBm 10 dBm 5 dBm 1. Agilent/HP 70420A Phase Noise Test Set Options 001 and 201 Figure 9-2 Connection to Optional Oscilloscope for Determining Voltage Peaks Agilent Technologies E5500 Phase Noise Measurement System 9-11...
Page 280 The phase may be adjusted either by varying the frequency of the source or by adjusting a variable phase shifter or line stretcher. 9-12 Agilent Technologies E5500 Phase Noise Measurement System...
Page 281: When The Measurement Is Complete
When the measurement is complete, refer to Chapter 15, “Evaluating Your Measurement Results” for help in evaluating your measurement results. Measurement is Complete Figure 9-3 on page 9-14 shows a typical phase noise curve for an RF Amplifier. Agilent Technologies E5500 Phase Noise Measurement System 9-13...
Page 282 Phase Detector Constant • Derive detector constant from measured +/- DC peak • Current Phase Detector • 410.8 E-3 Constant Know Spur Parameters • 0 dBc • Amplitude • 0 Hz • Offset Frequency 9-14 Agilent Technologies E5500 Phase Noise Measurement System...
Page 283 • 1 times the current carrier frequency carrier frequency of: • Shift trace data DOWN by: • 0 dB • Trace Smoothing Amount • 0 • Power present at input of DUT • 0 dB Agilent Technologies E5500 Phase Noise Measurement System 9-15...
Page 284 FM Discriminator Fundamentals What You’ll Find in This Chapter • The Frequency Discriminator Method, page 10-2 Basic Theory, page 10-2 The Discriminator Transfer Response, page 10-3 System Sensitivity, page 10-3 Optimum Sensitivity, page 10-5 Agilent Technologies E5500 Phase Noise Measurement System 10-1...
Page 285: Fm Discriminator Fundamentals
A wide-band delay line frequency discriminator is easy to implement using the Agilent E5500A/B Phase Noise Measurement System and common coaxial cable. Basic Theory...
Page 286: The Discriminator Transfer Response
1 τd ⁄ . Increasing the rate of a modulation signal applied to the 1 τd ⁄ system will cause nulls to appear at frequency multiples of (Figure 10-2 on page 10-4). Agilent Technologies E5500 Phase Noise Measurement System 10-3...
Page 287 Signal Input port (R port) of the mixer. is also the voltage available at the output of the delay line. 10-4 Agilent Technologies E5500 Phase Noise Measurement System...
Page 288 τ d . For maximum sensitivity more delay can be added until the signal level out of the delay line is 8.7 dB below the phase detector compression point. Agilent Technologies E5500 Phase Noise Measurement System 10-5...
Page 289 DUT. Because attenuation in coaxial lines is frequency dependent, optimum system sensitivity will be achieved with different lengths of line for different carrier frequencies. 10-6 Agilent Technologies E5500 Phase Noise Measurement System...
Page 290: Fm Discriminator Measurement Examples
(Agilent/HP 70420A Option 001) has been correctly set for the desired configuration, as show in Table 11-2 on page 11-11. Apply the input signal when the Connection Diagram appears. Agilent Technologies E5500 Phase Noise Measurement System 11-1...
Page 291: Introduction
The output of the phase detector is a voltage proportional to the frequency fluctuations of the source. For more information about FM Discrimination basics, refer to Chapter 10, “FM Discriminator Fundamentals”. 11-2 Agilent Technologies E5500 Phase Noise Measurement System...
Page 292: Fm Discriminator Measurement Using Double-Sided Spur Calibration
Calibrated FM at a 20 kHz rate with 10 kHz Peak Deviation. Power Splitter NARDA 30183 Delay Line Delay (or length) adequate to decorrelate source noise. ± ° Phase Shifter phase shifter at lowest carrier frequency tested. Agilent Technologies E5500 Phase Noise Measurement System 11-3...
Page 293: Determining The Discriminator
(The loss across 8 feet of BNC cable specified in this example is negligible.) The Agilent/HP 70420A test set Signal and Reference inputs requires +15 dBm. Figure 11-1 Discriminator Noise Floor as a Function of Delay Time 11-4 Agilent Technologies E5500 Phase Noise Measurement System...
Page 294: Defining The Measurement
The appropriate measurement definition parameters for this example have been pre-stored in this file. Table 11-3 on page 11-16 lists the parameter data that has been entered for the FM discriminator measurement example.) Agilent Technologies E5500 Phase Noise Measurement System 11-5...
Page 295 5. From the Define menu, choose Measurement; then choose the Type and Range tab from the Define Measurement window. a. From the Measurement Type pull-down, select Absolute Phase Noise (using an FM discriminator). 11-6 Agilent Technologies E5500 Phase Noise Measurement System...
Page 296 Take a modulated calibration source and feed the output into a spectrum analyzer. Measure the 1st modulation sideband frequency and power relative to the carrier’s frequency and power. Enter the parameters into the following step. Agilent Technologies E5500 Phase Noise Measurement System 11-7...
Page 297 8. Choose the Block Diagram tab from the Define Measurement window. a. From the Reference Source pull-down, select Manual. b. From the Phase Detector pull-down, select Automatic Detector Selection. 11-8 Agilent Technologies E5500 Phase Noise Measurement System...
Page 298: Setup Considerations
The following precautions will help ensure reliable test results: • Filtering on power supply lines • Protection from microphonics • Shielding from air currents may be necessary. Agilent Technologies E5500 Phase Noise Measurement System 11-9...
Page 299: Beginning The Measurement
1. From the View menu, choose Meter to select the quadrature meter. Measurement 2. From the Measurement menu, choose New Measurement 3. When the Perform a New Calibration and Measurement dialog box appears, click OK. 11-10 Agilent Technologies E5500 Phase Noise Measurement System...
Page 300 (Option 001) has been correctly set by the phase noise software, which will occur at the connection diagram. Characteristics: Input Impedance 50 ohm Nominal AM Noise dc coupled to 50 ohm load Agilent Technologies E5500 Phase Noise Measurement System 11-11...
Page 301 FM Discriminator Measurement using Double-Sided Spur Calibration Figure 11-2 Setup diagram for the FM Discrimination Measurement Example. 5. Refer to the following system connect diagram example for more information about system interconnections: Connect Diagram Example 11-12 Agilent Technologies E5500 Phase Noise Measurement System...
Page 302: Making The Measurement
FM signal. NOTE Note that the system must be operating in quadrature during calibration. 2. First establish quadrature by adjusting the phase shifter until the meter indicates 0 volts, then press Continue. Agilent Technologies E5500 Phase Noise Measurement System 11-13...
Page 303 3. Next, apply modulation to the carrier signal, then press Continue. Remove the modulation from the carrier and connect your DUT. 4. The system can now run the measurement. at the appropriate point, re-establish quadrature and continue the measurement. 11-14 Agilent Technologies E5500 Phase Noise Measurement System...
Page 304: When The Measurement Is Complete
Complete by placing a message on the computer display. Figure 11-3 on page 11-15 shows a typical absolute measurement using FM discrimination. Figure 11-3 Typical Phase Noise Curve using Double-Sided Spur Calibration. Agilent Technologies E5500 Phase Noise Measurement System 11-15...
Page 305 • Carrier Source • Manual • Phase Shifter • Manual • DUT in Path • checked • Phase Detector • Automatic Detector Selection • Adjust the Quadrature by • phase shifter adjusting the 11-16 Agilent Technologies E5500 Phase Noise Measurement System...
Page 306 • 1 times the current carrier frequency carrier frequency of: • Shift trace data DOWN by: • 0 dB • Trace Smoothing Amount • 0 • Power present at input of DUT • 0 dB Agilent Technologies E5500 Phase Noise Measurement System 11-17...
Page 307: Discriminator Measurement Using Fm Rate And Deviation Calibration
NOTE In order to use the FM rate and deviation calibration method you must have a signal source that is calibrated for FM modulation rate and FM deviation parameters. All Agilent Technologies signal generators meet this requirement. Required Equipment The following equipment is required for this example in addition the phase noise test system and your unit-under-test (UUT).
Page 308: Determining The Discriminator (Delay Line) Length
(The loss across 8 feet of BNC cable specified in this example is negligible.) The Agilent/HP 70420A test set Signal and Reference inputs requires +15 dBm. Figure 11-4 Discriminator Noise Floor as a Function of Delay Time Agilent Technologies E5500 Phase Noise Measurement System 11-19...
Page 309: Defining The Measurement
The appropriate measurement definition parameters for this example have been pre-stored in this file. Table 11-3 on page 11-16 lists the parameter data that has been entered for the FM discriminator measurement example.) 11-20 Agilent Technologies E5500 Phase Noise Measurement System...
Page 310 5. From the Define menu, choose Measurement; then choose the Type and Range tab from the Define Measurement window. a. From the Measurement Type pull-down, select Absolute Phase Noise (using an FM discriminator). Agilent Technologies E5500 Phase Noise Measurement System 11-21...
Page 311 A modulation FM tone of 20 kHz and a deviation of 10 kHz is the recommend FM rate and deviation for this procedure. Enter the parameters into the following step. 11-22 Agilent Technologies E5500 Phase Noise Measurement System...
Page 312 Set the FM Rate to 20 kHz and FM Deviation to 10 kHz. 8. Choose the Block Diagram tab from the Define Measurement window. a. From the Reference Source pull-down, select Manual. b. From the Phase Detector pull-down, select Automatic Detector Selection. Agilent Technologies E5500 Phase Noise Measurement System 11-23...
Page 313: Setup Considerations
The following precautions will help ensure reliable test results: • Filtering on power supply lines • Protection from microphonics • Shielding from air currents may be necessary. 11-24 Agilent Technologies E5500 Phase Noise Measurement System...
Page 314: Beginning The Measurement
4. When the Connect Diagram dialog box appears, confirm your connections as shown in the connect kiagram. The Agilent/HP 70420A test set’s signal input is subject to the following limits and characteristics: Agilent Technologies E5500 Phase Noise Measurement System 11-25...
Page 315 (Option 001) has been correctly set by the phase noise software, which will occur at the connection diagram. Characteristics: Input Impedance 50 ohm Nominal AM Noise dc coupled to 50 ohm load 11-26 Agilent Technologies E5500 Phase Noise Measurement System...
Page 316 Discriminator Measurement using FM Rate and Deviation Calibration Figure 11-5 Setup diagram for the FM Discrimination Measurement Example. 5. Refer to the following system connect diagram example for more information about system interconnections: Connect Diagram Example Agilent Technologies E5500 Phase Noise Measurement System 11-27...
Page 317: Making The Measurement
FM signal. NOTE Note that the system must be operating in quadrature during calibration. 2. First establish quadrature by adjusting the phase shifter until the meter indicates 0 volts, then press Continue. 11-28 Agilent Technologies E5500 Phase Noise Measurement System...
Page 318 3. Next, apply modulation to the carrier signal, then press Continue. Remove the modulation from the carrier and connect your DUT. 4. The system can now run the measurement. at the appropriate point, re-establish quadrature and continue the measurement. Agilent Technologies E5500 Phase Noise Measurement System 11-29...
Page 319: When The Measurement Is Complete
Figure 11-6 on page 11-30 shows a typical absolute measurement using FM discrimination. Figure 11-6 Typical Phase Noise Curve using Rate and Deviation Calibration. 11-30 Agilent Technologies E5500 Phase Noise Measurement System...
Page 320 • Carrier Source • Manual • Phase Shifter • Manual • DUT in Path • checked • Phase Detector • Automatic Detector Selection • Adjust the Quadrature by • phase shifter adjusting the Agilent Technologies E5500 Phase Noise Measurement System 11-31...
Page 321 • 1 times the current carrier frequency carrier frequency of: • Shift trace data DOWN by: • 0 dB • Trace Smoothing Amount • 0 • Power present at input of DUT • 0 dB 11-32 Agilent Technologies E5500 Phase Noise Measurement System...
Page 322 Amplitude Noise Measurement, page 12-3 Detector, page 12-4 • Measurement Methods Method 1: User Entry of Phase Detector Constant, page 12-8 Method 2: Double-Sided Spur, page 12-12 Method 3: Single-Sided-Spur, page 12-17 Agilent Technologies E5500 Phase Noise Measurement System 12-1...
Page 323: Am Noise Measurement Fundamentals
AM Noise Measurement Fundamentals AM-Noise Measurement Theory of Operation AM-Noise Measurement Theory of Operation Basic Noise The Agilent E5500A phase noise measurement software uses the following process to measure carrier noise by: Measurement • Calibrating the noise detector sensitivity. •...
Page 324: Amplitude Noise Measurement
DUT. The noise floor of this technique is the noise floor of the source. AM Noise Measurement Block Diagrams Figure 12-1 AM Noise System Block Diagram using an E5500 Opt 001 Figure 12-2 AM Noise System Block Diagram using an External Detector Agilent Technologies E5500 Phase Noise Measurement System 12-3...
Page 325: Am Detector
AM Noise System Block Diagram using an Agilent/HP 70427A Downconverter AM Detector Figure 12-5 AM Detector Schematic AM Detector Specifications Detector type low barrier Schottky diode Carrier frequency range 10 MHz to 26.5 GHz Maximum input power +23 dBm 12-4 Agilent Technologies E5500 Phase Noise Measurement System...
Page 326 DC block must be connected in series after the AM Detector to remove the dc component. The Agilent/HP 70429A Option K21 is designed specifically for this purpose or the internal DC blocking filter in either the Agilent/HP 70420A or Agilent/HP 70427A may be used. Agilent Technologies E5500 Phase Noise Measurement System 12-5...
Page 327: Calibration And Measurement General Guidelines
It should have only enough gain to get the required signal levels. Excess gain leads to amplifiers operating in gain compression, increasing their likelihood of suppressing the AM noise to be measured. 12-6 Agilent Technologies E5500 Phase Noise Measurement System...
Page 328 AM Noise Measurement Fundamentals Calibration and Measurement General Guidelines • The amplifier’s sensitivity to power supply noise and the supply noise itself must both be minimized. Agilent Technologies E5500 Phase Noise Measurement System 12-7...
Page 329: Method 1
User Entry of Phase Detector Constant AM Noise Measurement Setup Method 1, Example 1 2. Measure the power which will be applied to the AM detector. It must be between 0 and +23 dBm. 12-8 Agilent Technologies E5500 Phase Noise Measurement System...
Page 330 AM noise in dBc/Hz. NOTE The quadrature meter should be at zero volts due to the blocking capacitor at the AM detector’s output. Figure 12-8 AM Detector Sensitivity Graph Agilent Technologies E5500 Phase Noise Measurement System 12-9...
Page 331: Method 1, Example 2
Moving up to the diagonal calibration line and over, the equivalent phase detector constant can then be read from the left side of the graph. The measured data will be plotted as single-sideband AM noise in dBc/Hz. 12-10 Agilent Technologies E5500 Phase Noise Measurement System...
Page 332 Figure 12-10 Modulation Sideband Calibration Setup 4. Measure noise data and interpret the results. NOTE The quadrature meter should be at zero volts due to the blocking capacitor at the AM detector’s output. Agilent Technologies E5500 Phase Noise Measurement System 12-11...
Page 333: Method 2: Double-Sided Spur
RF spectrum analyzer or modulation analyzer. The source should be adjusted such that the sidebands are between –30 and –60 dB below the carrier with a modulation rate between 10 Hz and 20 MHz. 12-12 Agilent Technologies E5500 Phase Noise Measurement System...
Page 334 5. Measure the AM detector calibration constant. 6. Turn off AM. 7. Measure noise data and interpret the results. NOTE The quadrature meter should be at zero volts due to the blocking capacitor at the AM detector’s output. Agilent Technologies E5500 Phase Noise Measurement System 12-13...
Page 335: Method 2, Example 2
Double-sided Spur AM Noise Measurement Setup Method 1, Example 2 2. Measure the power which will be applied to the AM detector. It must be between 0 and +23 dBm. Figure 12-15 Measuring Power at the AM Detector 12-14 Agilent Technologies E5500 Phase Noise Measurement System...
Page 336 4. Enter the carrier-to-sideband ratio and offset frequency, then measure the calibration constant. Figure 12-17 Measuring the Calibration Constant 5. Remove the AM source and reconnect the DUT. 6. Measure noise data and interpret the results. Agilent Technologies E5500 Phase Noise Measurement System 12-15...
Page 337 AM Noise Measurement Fundamentals Method 2: Double-Sided Spur NOTE The quadrature meter should be at zero volts due to the blocking capacitor at the AM detector’s output. 12-16 Agilent Technologies E5500 Phase Noise Measurement System...
Page 338: Method 3: Single-Sided-Spur
Measurement Block Diagrams” on page 12-3. Figure 12-18 AM Noise Measurement Setup Using Single-Sided-Spur 2. Measure the power which will be applied to the AM detector. It must be between 0 and +23 dBm. Agilent Technologies E5500 Phase Noise Measurement System 12-17...
Page 339 5. Turn off the spur source output. 6. Measure noise data and interpret the results. NOTE The quadrature meter should be at zero volts due to the blocking capacitor at the AM detector’s output. 12-18 Agilent Technologies E5500 Phase Noise Measurement System...
Page 340: Am Noise Measurement Examples
Table 13-2 on page 13-7. Apply the input signal when the Connection Diagram appears. Agilent Technologies E5500 Phase Noise Measurement System 13-1...
Page 341: Am Noise Using An Agilent/Hp 70420A Option 001
Equipment Quantity Comments Agilent/HP 8644B Coax Cables And adequate adapters to connect the UUT and reference source to the test set. The following is the configuration used for an AM noise measurement. 13-2 Agilent Technologies E5500 Phase Noise Measurement System...
Page 342: Defining The Measurement
4. Choose the OK button. The appropriate measurement definition parameters for this example have been pre-stored in this file. (Table 13-3 on page 13-10 lists the parameter data that has been entered for this measurement example.) Agilent Technologies E5500 Phase Noise Measurement System 13-3...
Page 343 FM Discriminator measurement example.) 5. From the Define menu, choose Measurement; then choose the Type and Range tab from the Define Measurement window. a. From the Measurement Type pull-down, select AM Noise. 13-4 Agilent Technologies E5500 Phase Noise Measurement System...
Page 344 7. Choose the Cal tab from the Define Measurement window. a. Select Use automatic internal self-calibration as the calibration method. For more information about various calibration techniques, refer to Chapter 12, “AM Noise Measurement Fundamentals”. Agilent Technologies E5500 Phase Noise Measurement System 13-5...
Page 345 From the Phase Detector pull-down, select AM Detector. 9. Choose the Graph tab from the Define Measurement window. a. Enter a graph description of your choice. 10. When you have completed these operations, click the Close button. 13-6 Agilent Technologies E5500 Phase Noise Measurement System...
Page 346: Beginning The Measurement
• RF Phase Detectors 0 to +23 dBm (Signal Input) +15 to +23 dBm (Reference Input) • Microwave Phase Detectors 0 to +5 dBm (Signal Input) +7 to +10 dBm (Reference Input) Agilent Technologies E5500 Phase Noise Measurement System 13-7...
Page 347 AM Noise dc coupled to 50 ohm load Figure 13-1 Connect Diagram for the AM Noise Measurement 4. Refer to the following system connect diagram example for more information about system interconnections: 13-8 Agilent Technologies E5500 Phase Noise Measurement System...
Page 348: Making The Measurement
When the When the measurement is complete, refer to Chapter 15, “Evaluating Your Measurement Results” for help in evaluating your measurement results. Measurement is Complete Figure 13-2 shows a typical AM noise curve. Agilent Technologies E5500 Phase Noise Measurement System 13-9...
Page 349 • 600 E +6 Hz • Detector Input Frequency Cal Tab • Detector Constant • Use internal automatic self-calibration • Known Spur Parameters Offset Frequency • 1 Hz Amplitude • -130 dBc 13-10 Agilent Technologies E5500 Phase Noise Measurement System...
Page 350 • 1 times the current carrier frequency carrier frequency of: • Shift trace data DOWN by: • 0 dB • Trace Smoothing Amount • 0 • Power present at input of DUT • 0 dB Agilent Technologies E5500 Phase Noise Measurement System 13-11...
Page 351: Baseband Noise Measurement Examples
Baseband Noise Measurement Examples What You’ll Find in This Chapter • Baseband Noise using a Test Set Measurement Example, page 14-2 • Baseband Noise without using a Test Set Measurement Example, page 14-6 Agilent Technologies E5500 Phase Noise Measurement System 14-1...
Page 352: Baseband Noise Using A Test Set Measurement Example
Defining the 1. From the File menu, choose Open. Measurement 2. If necessary, choose the drive or directory where the file you want is stored. 3. In the File Name box, choose “BBnoise_with_testset.pnm.” 14-2 Agilent Technologies E5500 Phase Noise Measurement System...
Page 353 3. When the Connect Diagram appears on the computer’s display, click on the hardware down arrow and select “HP 70420A option 001 test set only” from the pull-down list. Figure 14-1 Connect Diagram for the Baseband using a Test Set Measurement Agilent Technologies E5500 Phase Noise Measurement System 14-3...
Page 354: Making The Measurement
• Start Frequency • 10 Hz • Stop Frequency • 100 E + 6 Hz • Averages • 4 • Quality • Fast Cal Tab • Gain preceding noise input • 0 dB 14-4 Agilent Technologies E5500 Phase Noise Measurement System...
Page 355 • 1 times the current carrier frequency carrier frequency of: • Shift trace data DOWN by: • 0 dB • Trace Smoothing Amount • 0 • Power present at input of DUT • 0 dB Agilent Technologies E5500 Phase Noise Measurement System 14-5...
Page 356: Baseband Noise Without Using A Test Set Measurement Example
Defining the 1. From the File menu, choose Open. Measurement 2. If necessary, choose the drive or directory where the file you want is stored. 3. In the File Name box, choose “BBnoise_without_testset_89410.pnm”. 14-6 Agilent Technologies E5500 Phase Noise Measurement System...
Page 357: Making The Measurement
OK. Making the 3. When the Connect Diagram appears on the computer’s display, click on the Continue button. Measurement Figure 14-3 Connect Diagram for the Baseband using a Test Set Measurement Agilent Technologies E5500 Phase Noise Measurement System 14-7...
Page 358 • Measurement Type • Baseband Noise (without using a test set) • Start Frequency • 10 Hz • Stop Frequency • 100 E + 6 Hz • Averages • 4 • Quality • Normal 14-8 Agilent Technologies E5500 Phase Noise Measurement System...
Page 359 • 1 times the current carrier frequency carrier frequency of: • Shift trace data DOWN by: • 0 dB • Trace Smoothing Amount • 0 • Power present at input of DUT • 0 dB Agilent Technologies E5500 Phase Noise Measurement System 14-9...
Page 360: Evaluating Your Measurement Results
Outputting the Results, page 15-7 -- Refer here for information about the graphics and hard copy functions. • Problem Solving, page 15-13 -- Refer here for help in solving specific problems on the noise graph. Agilent Technologies E5500 Phase Noise Measurement System 15-1...
Page 361: Evaluating The Results
“Noise Plot Showing Obvious Problems” on page 15-2 provides a graphical example of these problems. If one or more of these problems appear on your graph, refer to the Problem Solving section for recommended actions. 15-2 Agilent Technologies E5500 Phase Noise Measurement System...
Page 362: Comparing Against Expected Data
How Much to Decrease Measured Noise to Compensate for Added Reference Source Noise.” on page 15-5 to determine if the measurement results need to be decreased to reflect the actual noise level of the UUT. Agilent Technologies E5500 Phase Noise Measurement System 15-3...
Page 363 10 kHz, to the graph, reveals that the measured results should be decreased by about 1 dB at 10 kHz to reflect the actual noise of the UUT. Figure 15-2 Example Comparison of Measurement Results and Reference Source Noise. 15-4 Agilent Technologies E5500 Phase Noise Measurement System...
Page 364 Evaluating Your Measurement Results Evaluating the Results Figure 15-3 Graph Showing How Much to Decrease Measured Noise to Compensate for Added Reference Source Noise. Agilent Technologies E5500 Phase Noise Measurement System 15-5...
Page 365: Gathering More Data
Additional information (such as typical noise curves for devices similar to the unit-under-test or data sheets for components used in the device) can often provide insights into the expected performance of the unit-under-test. 15-6 Agilent Technologies E5500 Phase Noise Measurement System...
Page 366: Outputting The Results
You must have a printer must be connected to the computer to generate hard copies. Using a Printer To print the phase noise graph, along with parameter summary data: On the File menu, click Print. Agilent Technologies E5500 Phase Noise Measurement System 15-7...
Page 367: Graph Of Results
File System functions, and then display the results. The following functions are available to help you evaluate your results: • Marker, page 15-9 • Omit Spurs, page 15-10 • Parameter Summary, page 15-12 15-8 Agilent Technologies E5500 Phase Noise Measurement System...
Page 368: Marker
To access the marker function: On the View menu, click Markers. Up to nine markers may be added. To remove the highlighted marker, click the Delete button. Agilent Technologies E5500 Phase Noise Measurement System 15-9...
Page 369: Omit Spurs
Omit Spurs plots the currently loaded results without displaying any spurs that may be present. 1. On the View menu, click Display Preferences. 2. In the Display Preferences dialog box, uncheck Spurs. Click OK 15-10 Agilent Technologies E5500 Phase Noise Measurement System...
Page 370 Evaluating Your Measurement Results Graph of Results 3. The Graph will be displayed without spurs. To re-display the spurs, check Spurs in the Display Preferences dialog box. Agilent Technologies E5500 Phase Noise Measurement System 15-11...
Page 371: Parameter Summary
The parameter summary data is included when you print the graph. 1. On the View menu, click Parameter Summary. 2. The Parameter Summary Notepad dialog box appears. The data can be printed or changed using standard Notepad functionality. 15-12 Agilent Technologies E5500 Phase Noise Measurement System...
Page 372: Problem Solving
• How to verify a noise level that is higher than expected High Noise Level • How to verify unexpected spurs on the graph Spurs on the Graph • How to interpret noise above the small angle line Small Angle Line Agilent Technologies E5500 Phase Noise Measurement System 15-13...
Page 373: Discontinuity In The Graph
• Noise near or above the small section of Chapter 3 for specific angle line at an offset equal to actions. the PLL Bandwidth for the measurement. Small Break at 100 kHz, 10 kHz, or 1 kHz 15-14 Agilent Technologies E5500 Phase Noise Measurement System...
Page 374: Higher Noise Level
The following table will help you identify and evaluate many of the potential causes of a high noise floor. Agilent Technologies E5500 Phase Noise Measurement System 15-15...
Page 375: Spurs On The Graph
RF energy to be picked up by the unit-under-test wiring, etc. A breadboarded or prototype circuit should be well shielded from external RF fields when phase noise measurements are being made. 15-16 Agilent Technologies E5500 Phase Noise Measurement System...
Page 376 (Temporarily blocking external to the measurement system. the airflow through a fan may alter its speed enough to discern a frequency shift in a spur that is being caused by the fan.) Agilent Technologies E5500 Phase Noise Measurement System 15-17...
Page 377: Small Angle Line
At approximately 0.2 radians, the power in the higher order sideband of the phase modulation is still insignificant compared to the power in the first order sideband. This ensures that the calculation of cal L(f) is still valid. 15-18 Agilent Technologies E5500 Phase Noise Measurement System...
Page 378: Advanced Software Features
Graph, page 16-13 NOTE Additional “Advanced Features” information will be included in future versions of this manual. For information about our no-cost update program, refer to Software and Documentation Updates, page 21-2. Agilent Technologies E5500 Phase Noise Measurement System 16-1...
Page 379: Introduction
Agilent E5500 phase noise measurement software. These functions are recommended to be used only by those who understand how the measurement and the test system are affected. Refer to the following pages for details: 16-2 Agilent Technologies E5500 Phase Noise Measurement System...
Page 380: Phase Lock Loop Suppression
If an accuracy degradation is detected, the amount of error is determined from either the PLL Gain Change or the Maximum Error, which ever is larger. The degradation itself is 1 dB less than the greater of these. Agilent Technologies E5500 Phase Noise Measurement System 16-3...
Page 381 VCO Tune Port. For PLL BWs greater than 20 kHz, the Assumed Pole may be adjusted to less than 10 X PLL BW to account for phase shifts in the test set. 16-4 Agilent Technologies E5500 Phase Noise Measurement System...
Page 382 Suppression is Verified. The VCO Tune Constant times the Tune Range of VCO determines the Peak Tune Range (PTR) value for the measurement. The PTR sets the drift tracking and close-in noise suppression capabilities of the test system. Agilent Technologies E5500 Phase Noise Measurement System 16-5...
Page 383: Ignore Out Of Lock Mode
When Ignore Out Of Lock is selected, the test system does not verify the phase lock of the measurement. The user must ensure that the measurement maintains phase lock during the measurement. 16-6 Agilent Technologies E5500 Phase Noise Measurement System...
Page 384: Pll Suppression Verification Process
The sync output from the Agilent/HP E1441A MUST Connect to both the Ext trigger inputs - use a BNC “T”. Figure 16-2 Using the E1441A as a Stimulus Response for the E1430A Agilent Technologies E5500 Phase Noise Measurement System 16-7...
Page 385: Pll Suppression Information
16-11) - this is the new “adjusted” theoretical value of suppression for this measurement - it is based on changing loop parameters (in the theoretical response) to match the “smoothed” measured curve as closely as possible. 16-8 Agilent Technologies E5500 Phase Noise Measurement System...
Page 386 Advanced Software Features PLL Suppression Verification Process Figure 16-4 Measured Loop Suppression Curve Figure 16-5 Smoothed Loop Suppression Curve Agilent Technologies E5500 Phase Noise Measurement System 16-9...
Page 387 Advanced Software Features PLL Suppression Verification Process Figure 16-6 Theoretical Loop Suppression Curve Figure 16-7 Smoothed vs Theoretical Loop Suppression Curve 16-10 Agilent Technologies E5500 Phase Noise Measurement System...
Page 388 Advanced Software Features PLL Suppression Verification Process Figure 16-8 Smoothed vs Adjusted Theoretical Loop Suppression Curve Figure 16-9 Adjusted Theoretical vs Theoretical Loop Suppression Curve Agilent Technologies E5500 Phase Noise Measurement System 16-11...
Page 389: Pll Gain Change
In this case, the VXI interface to the VXI assets will be “VXI direct” (select Embedded VXI PC: within the Asset Manager Configuration). The VISA I/O libraries must also support the embedded PC’s GPIB card. 16-12 Agilent Technologies E5500 Phase Noise Measurement System...
Page 390: Blanking Frequency And Amplitude Information On The Phase Noise Graph
2. Choose one of the security options provided: “Unsecured: all data is viewable” on page 16-14 “Secured: Frequencies cannot be viewed” on page 16-14 “Secured: Frequencies and Amplitudes cannot be viewed” on page 16-16 Agilent Technologies E5500 Phase Noise Measurement System 16-13...
Page 391 Secured: Frequencies cannot be viewed When ‘‘Secured: Frequecies cannot be viewed’’ is selected, all frequency information is blanked on the phase noise graph. 16-14 Agilent Technologies E5500 Phase Noise Measurement System...
Page 392 Advanced Software Features Blanking Frequency and Amplitude Information on the Phase Noise Agilent Technologies E5500 Phase Noise Measurement System 16-15...
Page 393 Blanking Frequency and Amplitude Information on the Phase Noise Secured: Frequencies and Amplitudes cannot be viewed When ‘‘Secured: Frequecies cannot be viewed’’ is selected, all frequency and amplitude information is blanked on the phase noise graph. 16-16 Agilent Technologies E5500 Phase Noise Measurement System...
Page 394: Error Messages And System Troubleshooting
Error messages and troubleshooting information is not included in this version of the manual. They will be included in a future version. For information about our no-cost update program, refer to Software and Documentation Updates, page 21-2. Agilent Technologies E5500 Phase Noise Measurement System 17-1...
Page 395: Graphs
Agilent/HP 8643A Frequency Limits, page 18-14 • Agilent/HP 8644B Frequency Limits, page 18-16 • Agilent/HP 8664A Frequency Limits, page 18-18 • Agilent/HP 8665A Frequency Limits, page 18-20 • Agilent/HP 8665B Frequency Limits, page 18-22 Agilent Technologies E5500 Phase Noise Measurement System 18-1...
Page 396: Approximate System Phase Noise Floor Vs. R Port Signal Level
RF mixer that is used (+7 dBm or +15 dBm, respectively). The approximate phase Detector calibration Constant that results from the input signal level at the R port is shown on the right side of the graph. 18-2 Agilent Technologies E5500 Phase Noise Measurement System...
Page 397 When φ L(f) using the graph to compute , add 3 dB to the Level. φ (f) = 2 (L(f)) or S = L(f) + 3 dB φ φ Agilent Technologies E5500 Phase Noise Measurement System 18-3...
Page 398 Depending on the sensitivity that is required at the offset to be measured, a single reference source may suffice or several different references may be needed to achieve the necessary sensitivity at different offsets. 18-4 Agilent Technologies E5500 Phase Noise Measurement System...
Page 399: Increase In Measured Noise As Ref Source Approaches Uut Noise
UUT, the level measured by the software (which is the sum of all sources affecting the test system) is increased above the actual noise level of the UUT. Agilent Technologies E5500 Phase Noise Measurement System 18-5...
Page 400: Approximate Sensitivity Of Delay Line Discriminator
Longer delay lines improve sensitivity, but eventually the loss in the delay line will exceed the available power of the source and cancel any further improvement. Also, longer delay lines limit the maximum offset frequency that can be measured. 18-6 Agilent Technologies E5500 Phase Noise Measurement System...
Page 401: Am Calibration
The equivalent phase Detector Constant (phase slope) is read from the left side of the graph while the approximate detector input power is read from the right side of the graph. Agilent Technologies E5500 Phase Noise Measurement System 18-7...
Page 402: Voltage Controlled Source Tuning Requirements
These limits have been found to guarantee good results. 18-8 Agilent Technologies E5500 Phase Noise Measurement System...
Page 403: Tune Range Of Vco Vs. Center Voltage
VCO which the software provides for a given center voltage. The Tune range of VCO decreases as the absolute value of the center voltage increases due to hardware limitations of the test system. Agilent Technologies E5500 Phase Noise Measurement System 18-9...
Page 404: Peak Tuning Range Required Due To Noise Level
Sources with higher phase noise require a wider Peak Tuning Range. 18-10 Agilent Technologies E5500 Phase Noise Measurement System...
Page 405: Phase Lock Loop Bandwidth Vs. Peak Tuning Range
Knowing the approximate closed PLL BW allows you to verify that there is sufficient bandwidth on the tuning port and that sufficient source isolation is present to prevent injection locking. Agilent Technologies E5500 Phase Noise Measurement System 18-11...
Page 406: Noise Floor Limits Due To Peak Tuning Range
Tuning Range entered for the source due to the inherent noise at the test set Tune Voltage Output port. (A Tune Range of VCO +/-10 V and phase Detector Constant of 0.2V/Rad is assumed.) 18-12 Agilent Technologies E5500 Phase Noise Measurement System...
Page 407: Tuning Characteristics Of Various Vco Source Options
Measure Source factor of 2 of VCO vs. Center Voltage” on page 18-9 Caution: Exceeding 5 volts maximum may damage equipment. The table shown above lists tuning parameters for several VCO options. Agilent Technologies E5500 Phase Noise Measurement System 18-13...
Page 408 • The [Mode 2] key provides a median range of FM deviation and RF output switching time, as shown in the following table. The Agilent/HP 8643A defaults to Mode 2 operation. 18-14 Agilent Technologies E5500 Phase Noise Measurement System...
Page 409 RF output switching time. In this mode, the maximum deviation is increased, by a factor of 10, to 10 MHz (for a 1 GHz carrier). The noise level of the generator is also increased in this mode, however. Agilent Technologies E5500 Phase Noise Measurement System 18-15...
Page 410 The [Mode 3] key provides the lowest noise level at the RF output, FM deviation bandwidth is narrower, and the RF switching time is slower than in either Modes 1 or 2. 18-16 Agilent Technologies E5500 Phase Noise Measurement System...
Page 411 Digitized FM is best for signal-tone modulation and provides very accurate center frequency at low deviation rates. Linear FM is best for multi-tone modulation and provides a more constant group delay than the Digitized FM. Agilent Technologies E5500 Phase Noise Measurement System 18-17...
Page 412 Mode 2 Mode 3 RF Frequency Switching Time 200 ms 350 ms FM Deviation at 1 GHz 1 MHz 100 kHz Phase Noise (20 kHz offset at 1 GHz) -130 dBc -136 dBc 18-18 Agilent Technologies E5500 Phase Noise Measurement System...
Page 413: Agilent/Hp 8643A Frequency Limits
Digitized FM is best for signal-tone modulation and provides very accurate center frequency at low deviation rates. Linear FM is best for multi-tone modulation and provides a more constant group delay than the Digitized FM. Agilent Technologies E5500 Phase Noise Measurement System 18-19...
Page 414 Mode 2 Mode 3 RF Frequency Switching Time 200 ms 350 ms FM Deviation at 1 GHz 1 MHz 100 kHz Phase Noise (20 kHz offset at 1 GHz) -130 dBc -136 dBc 18-20 Agilent Technologies E5500 Phase Noise Measurement System...
Page 415: How To Access Special Functions
FM bandwidth to 200 kHz. When [OFF], FM Indicator Accuracy is worse for rates of 1-5 kHz and better beyond 30 kHz. Refer to the Agilent/HP 8643A/8644B User’s Guide for specific details. Agilent Technologies E5500 Phase Noise Measurement System 18-21...
Page 416 Mode 2 Mode 3 RF Frequency Switching Time 200 ms 350 ms FM Deviation at 1 GHz 1 MHz 100 kHz Phase Noise (20 kHz offset at 1 GHz) -130 dBc -136 dBc 18-22 Agilent Technologies E5500 Phase Noise Measurement System...
Page 417 FM bandwidth to 200 kHz. When [OFF], FM Indicator Accuracy is worse for rates of 1-5 kHz and better beyond 30 kHz. Refer to the Agilent/HP 8643A/8644B User’s Guide for specific details. Agilent Technologies E5500 Phase Noise Measurement System 18-23...
Page 418 Diagram, page 19-22 • E5503B Opt. 201 Connect Diagram, page 19-23 • E5504B Standard Connect Diagram, page 19-24 • E5504B Opt. 001 Connect Diagram, page 19-25 • E5504B Opt. 201 Connect Diagram, page 19-26 Agilent Technologies E5500 Phase Noise Measurement System 19-1...
Page 419: Connect Diagrams
Connect Diagrams E5501A Standard Connect Diagram E5501A Standard Connect Diagram 19-2 Agilent Technologies E5500 Phase Noise Measurement System...
Page 420: E5501A Opt. 001 Connect Diagram
Connect Diagrams E5501A Opt. 001 Connect Diagram E5501A Opt. 001 Connect Diagram Agilent Technologies E5500 Phase Noise Measurement System 19-3...
Page 421: E5501A Opt. 201, 430, 440 Connect Diagram
Connect Diagrams E5501A Opt. 201, 430, 440 Connect Diagram E5501A Opt. 201, 430, 440 Connect Diagram 19-4 Agilent Technologies E5500 Phase Noise Measurement System...
Page 422: E5501A Opt. 201 Connect Diagram
Connect Diagrams E5501A Opt. 201 Connect Diagram E5501A Opt. 201 Connect Diagram Agilent Technologies E5500 Phase Noise Measurement System 19-5...
Page 423: E5502A Standard Connect Diagram
Connect Diagrams E5502A Standard Connect Diagram E5502A Standard Connect Diagram 19-6 Agilent Technologies E5500 Phase Noise Measurement System...
Page 424: E5502A Opt. 001 Connect Diagram
Connect Diagrams E5502A Opt. 001 Connect Diagram E5502A Opt. 001 Connect Diagram Agilent Technologies E5500 Phase Noise Measurement System 19-7...
Page 425: E5502A Opt. 201 Connect Diagram
Connect Diagrams E5502A Opt. 201 Connect Diagram E5502A Opt. 201 Connect Diagram 19-8 Agilent Technologies E5500 Phase Noise Measurement System...
Page 426: E5503A Standard Connect Diagram
Connect Diagrams E5503A Standard Connect Diagram E5503A Standard Connect Diagram Agilent Technologies E5500 Phase Noise Measurement System 19-9...
Page 427: E5503A Opt. 001 Connect Diagram
Connect Diagrams E5503A Opt. 001 Connect Diagram E5503A Opt. 001 Connect Diagram 19-10 Agilent Technologies E5500 Phase Noise Measurement System...
Page 428: E5503A Opt. 201 Connect Diagram
Connect Diagrams E5503A Opt. 201 Connect Diagram E5503A Opt. 201 Connect Diagram Agilent Technologies E5500 Phase Noise Measurement System 19-11...
Page 429: E5504A Standard Connect Diagram
Connect Diagrams E5504A Standard Connect Diagram E5504A Standard Connect Diagram 19-12 Agilent Technologies E5500 Phase Noise Measurement System...
Page 430: E5504A Opt. 001 Connect Diagram
Connect Diagrams E5504A Opt. 001 Connect Diagram E5504A Opt. 001 Connect Diagram Agilent Technologies E5500 Phase Noise Measurement System 19-13...
Page 431: E5504A Opt. 201 Connect Diagram
Connect Diagrams E5504A Opt. 201 Connect Diagram E5504A Opt. 201 Connect Diagram 19-14 Agilent Technologies E5500 Phase Noise Measurement System...
Page 432: E5501B Standard Connect Diagram
Connect Diagrams E5501B Standard Connect Diagram E5501B Standard Connect Diagram Agilent Technologies E5500 Phase Noise Measurement System 19-15...
Page 433: E5501B Opt. 001 Connect Diagram
Connect Diagrams E5501B Opt. 001 Connect Diagram E5501B Opt. 001 Connect Diagram 19-16 Agilent Technologies E5500 Phase Noise Measurement System...
Page 434: E5501B Opt. 201 Connect Diagram
Connect Diagrams E5501B Opt. 201 Connect Diagram E5501B Opt. 201 Connect Diagram Agilent Technologies E5500 Phase Noise Measurement System 19-17...
Page 435: E5502B Standard Connect Diagram
Connect Diagrams E5502B Standard Connect Diagram E5502B Standard Connect Diagram 19-18 Agilent Technologies E5500 Phase Noise Measurement System...
Page 436: E5502B Opt. 001 Connect Diagram
Connect Diagrams E5502B Opt. 001 Connect Diagram E5502B Opt. 001 Connect Diagram Agilent Technologies E5500 Phase Noise Measurement System 19-19...
Page 437: E5502B Opt. 201 Connect Diagram
Connect Diagrams E5502B Opt. 201 Connect Diagram E5502B Opt. 201 Connect Diagram 19-20 Agilent Technologies E5500 Phase Noise Measurement System...
Page 438: E5503B Standard Connect Diagram
Connect Diagrams E5503B Standard Connect Diagram E5503B Standard Connect Diagram Agilent Technologies E5500 Phase Noise Measurement System 19-21...
Page 439: E5503B Opt. 001 Connect Diagram
Connect Diagrams E5503B Opt. 001 Connect Diagram E5503B Opt. 001 Connect Diagram 19-22 Agilent Technologies E5500 Phase Noise Measurement System...
Page 440: E5503B Opt. 201 Connect Diagram
Connect Diagrams E5503B Opt. 201 Connect Diagram E5503B Opt. 201 Connect Diagram Agilent Technologies E5500 Phase Noise Measurement System 19-23...
Page 441: E5504B Standard Connect Diagram
Connect Diagrams E5504B Standard Connect Diagram E5504B Standard Connect Diagram 19-24 Agilent Technologies E5500 Phase Noise Measurement System...
Page 442: E5504B Opt. 001 Connect Diagram
Connect Diagrams E5504B Opt. 001 Connect Diagram E5504B Opt. 001 Connect Diagram Agilent Technologies E5500 Phase Noise Measurement System 19-25...
Page 443: E5504B Opt. 201 Connect Diagram
Connect Diagrams E5504B Opt. 201 Connect Diagram E5504B Opt. 201 Connect Diagram 19-26 Agilent Technologies E5500 Phase Noise Measurement System...
Page 444: System Specifications
System Specifications What You’ll Find in This Chapter… • Specifications, page 20-2 Agilent Technologies E5500 Phase Noise Measurement System 20-1...
Page 445: Specifications
If the tuning range of the VCO source is too large, noise on the control line may increase the effective noise of the VCO source. 20-2 Agilent Technologies E5500 Phase Noise Measurement System...
Page 446: Phase Noise Customer Support
Phase Noise Customer Support What You’ll Find in This Chapter • Software and Documentation Updates, page 21-2 • Contacting Customer Support, page 21-3 • Phase Noise Customer Support Fax Form, page 21-5 Agilent Technologies E5500 Phase Noise Measurement System 21-1...
Page 447: Software And Documentation Updates
The following methods are available for sending us the information: • Phase Noise Hot Line: (707) 577-5859 • Phase Noise e-mail address: phasenoise-spprt_srsd@sr.hp.com • Phase Noise Fax Number: (707) 577-4446 (Use the Phase Noise Customer Support Fax Form, page 21-5) 21-2 Agilent Technologies E5500 Phase Noise Measurement System...
Page 448: Contacting Customer Support
• A graph of your measurement, if available. Use the software’s “File Menu” and “Print” capabilities to provide a graph and parameter summary. Agilent Technologies E5500 Phase Noise Measurement System 21-3...
Page 449 Phase Noise Customer Support Fax Form Date: To: Phase Noise Customer Support From: FAX Number: (707) 577-4446 Phone: # pages following: FAX Number: Please call (707) 577-5858 if you have trouble with the transmission. Message: Agilent Technologies E5500 Phase Noise Measurement System 21-5...
Page 450: Connector Care And Preventive Maintenance
Torque, page A-3 Cleaning Procedure, page A-4 • Removing and Reinstalling Instruments, page A-6 General Procedures and Techniques, page A-6 MMS Module Removal and Reinstallation, page A-11 • Touch-Up Paint, page A-12 Agilent Technologies E5500 Phase Noise Measurement System A-1...
Page 451: Using, Inspecting, And Cleaning Rf Connectors
Handle Agilent Technologies instruments and devices only when wearing a grounded wrist or foot strap. When handling devices on a work bench, make sure you are working on an anti-static worksurface.
Page 452: Rf Cable And Connector Care
The torque required depends on the type of connector. Refer to Table A-1. Do not overtighten the connector. Torque wrenches are supplied in the calibration and verification kits that came with the system. Agilent Technologies E5500 Phase Noise Measurement System A-3...
Page 453: Connector Wear And Damage
(from the alcohol wipe) and clean the connector with the swab. 3. Allow the alcohol to evaporate off the connector before making connections Table A-2 Cleaning Supplies Available from Agilent Technologies Product Part Number Ultrajet 9310-6395 Alcohol wipes: 92193N A-4 Agilent Technologies E5500 Phase Noise Measurement System...
Page 454 If excessive alcohol gets into a connector, lay it aside to allow the alcohol to evaporate. This may take up to three days. If you attach that connector to another device it can take much longer for trapped alcohol to evaporate. Agilent Technologies E5500 Phase Noise Measurement System A-5...
Page 455: Removing And Reinstalling Instruments
Techniques connector type may have unique considerations. For example, some connectors are loosened by turning them clockwise, others by turning counter clockwise. Always use care when working with system cables and instruments. A-6 Agilent Technologies E5500 Phase Noise Measurement System...
Page 456 Connector Care and Preventive Maintenance Removing and Reinstalling Instruments Figure A-1 GPIB and 2.4 mm Connectors Agilent Technologies E5500 Phase Noise Measurement System A-7...
Page 457: Gpib Connectors
5/16 inch wrench. Always reconnect using an 8 inch-lb torque wrench (part number 8720-1765). This wrench may be ordered from Agilent Technologies. Semirigid cables are metal tubes, custom-formed for this system from semirigid coax cable stock.
Page 458: Bent Semirigid Cables
Do not attempt to straighten a crimped semirigid cable, its performance will not be restored. Other Multipin There are other multipin connectors in the system (Agilent/HP MSIB, for example). These are sometimes held in place by a pair of screws. Connectors Agilent Technologies E5500 Phase Noise Measurement System A-9...
Page 459 Connector Care and Preventive Maintenance Removing and Reinstalling Instruments Figure A-2 Type-N, Power Sensor, and BNC Connectors A-10 Agilent Technologies E5500 Phase Noise Measurement System...
Page 460 5. Press against the front of the module while tightening the hex-nut latch (with an 8 mm hex-ball driver). 6. Close the access panel. 7. Go to the back of the system and connect intermodule cables. Agilent Technologies E5500 Phase Noise Measurement System A-11...
Page 461 Part Number Dove Gray • Front panel frames 6010-1146 • Portions of front handles French Gray • Side, top, and bottom covers 6010-1147 Parchment Gray • Rack mount flanges 6010-1148 • Front panels A-12 Agilent Technologies E5500 Phase Noise Measurement System...
Page 462 3-8 connect diagram example confidence test, 3-8 gathering more data, 15-6 first measurement, 3-8 graph, 15-2 connectors discontinuity, 15-14 2.4 mm, A-8 graph of results, 15-8 BNC, A-10 graphical user interface, 2-2 Agilent Technologies E5500 Phase Noise Measurement System -i...
Page 463 Phase Lock Loop Bandwidth vs. Peak Tuning Range, 18-11 amplifier, 9-2, 11-3 Phase Lock Loop Circuit, 6-3 Measurement Noise Floor, 6-6 Phase Lock Loop Technique, 6-2, 6-3 Measurement Qualifications, 20-2 phase noise basics, 4-1 measurement qualifications, 20-2 -ii Agilent Technologies E5500 Phase Noise Measurement System...
Page 464 Parameters, 7-73, 7-98, 9-3, 11-5, 11-20, 13-3, 14-2, residual noise, 8-2 14-6 RF synthesizer using DCFM estimating, 7-73, 7-98, 9-3, 11-5, 11-20, 13-3, 14-2, 14-6 defining the measurement, 5-11, 5-34, 7-49 tuning constant estimating, 6-11 Agilent Technologies E5500 Phase Noise Measurement System -iii...
Page 465 Voltage Controlled Source Tuning Requirements, 18-8 user interface graphical, 2-2 using a printer, 15-7 using a signal generator, 6-9 using a similar device, 6-8 your first measurement, 3-1 using this guide, 6-2 -iv Agilent Technologies E5500 Phase Noise Measurement System...

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